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Brookline Police Say Attack On Woman On Beacon Street Was Hate Crime

BROOKLINE (CBS) – A woman who was attacked in Brookline earlier this week was the target of a hate crime, police said Friday.

The woman had just crossed Dean Road and Beacon St. around 7 p.m. Tuesday when she said a man shoved her from behind and she fell to the ground.

Police said the man shouted "racial insults" at her and tried to take her backpack. The woman fought back, kicked at the man and screamed. He ran away and she went to a nearby church for help.

"The suspect is described as a middle age, black male, with a medium build, approximately six feet tall," Brookline Police said in a statement.

Stella Owen lives across the street from where the attack happened and is deeply concerned. "I'm actually considering taking a self-defense course, just so that I'm prepared," Owen said.

The woman is expected to be OK.

Anyone with information is asked to call Brookline Police at 617-730-2222.

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