Police say Iowa woman intentionally hit teen with car because victim is Hispanic
12/20/2019 2:26 pm PST
By Lisa Felton, WHO
CLIVE, Iowa (WHO) -- Clive police say a Des Moines woman ran down a 14-year old girl because she was Hispanic.
Officers announced Thursday that 42-year-old Nicole Poole Franklin of Des Moines was charged with attempted murder.
Investigators say Poole Franklin was driving near Indian Hills Junior High School on Dec. 9, saw the victim, and left the roadway to hit her while she was on the sidewalk. Poole Franklin left without checking on the girl.
The 14-year-old suffered several injuries.
Clive police say Poole Franklin then went to a West Des Moines gas station and started yelling racist comments toward a cashier. She was arrested there and has been in the Polk County Jail since.
Along with attempted murder, Poole Franklin is charged with assault, 5th degree theft, consumption/intoxication, and possession.
The Des Moines Register reports that the Clive police chief said hate crime charges are being considered after Nicole Poole Franklin admitted she hit a 14-year-old girl with her car because the girl is Hispanic.
MORE: Police Say Woman Intentionally Hit Teen with Car Because Victim was Hispanic - WHO
