Man says his race motivated harassment

WILSON, N.Y. (WIVB) - Christopher Smith saw hard times going up in Detroit and on Buffalo's east side.

The 32-year-old moved to the Village of Wilson in Niagara County a few months ago to start life fresh in a peaceful setting.

Tuesday night at Jean's Bar in the village, he says close to a half dozen young white men in their 20s surrounded him in the men's restroom and told him that he's not wanted in the village.

Niagara County Sheriff's deputies arrested 22-year-old Kevin Wise of Wilson on Wednesday and charged him with harassment. The charges could be upgraded to aggravated harassment if race is shown to be a factor.

Smith is an African-American and says they accused him of being a drug dealer and told him they are going to run him out of town. He believes the incident was sparked when he played several rap songs on the jukebox.

However, Wise's attorney Mark Grossman says his client is not a bigot and that Smith made statement that sparked the incident.

But Undersheriff Michael Filicetti said, "The complainant stated that [Smith] had used a racial slur against him. Initially the suspect denied that, but in interviewing he again used the racial slur regarding the victim."

Smith added, "It had everything to do with skin color, but I mostly think they were mad because I kept switching the music back to the music I listen to."

Village officials reacted strongly to the alleged incident. Deputy Mayor Bernie Leiker said he is shocked by the accusations, saying, "If it is true, it is a very serious offense."

Both he and Jerry Kadryna, a village trustee, refer to Wilson as a very supportive place, citing the help given to the Johnson family after their home exploded. They both pledged their support for Smith and believe this is a one-time happening.