FBI investigating 2 attacks with alleged Ferguson references

ST. LOUIS (AP) — The FBI is investigating whether hate crimes were committed during two St. Louis area attacks where suspects allegedly made reference to Ferguson, including the assault of former St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Curt Ford, investigators said today.

Both attacks happened in March, one involving a white victim and black attackers, the other a black victim attacked by a white man. The suspects in both cases allegedly made references to Ferguson, the St. Louis suburb at the center of racial strife since a white police officer in August fatally shot 18-year-old Michael Brown, who was black and unarmed.

FBI spokeswoman Rebecca Wu said the agency is looking into both cases for possible hate crimes. Anyone found guilty of a federal hate crime involving bodily injury could face up to 10 years in prison.

Investigators allege that Ford, 54, was punched by James Street at a convenience store on March 25 in Fenton. Police said Street, who is white, shouted racial slurs and told Ford, who is black, "Go back to Ferguson." Ford, who played for the Cardinals and Philadelphia Phillies from 1985 to 1990, said he was punched without warning.

The 37-year-old Street is charged with third-degree assault motivated by discrimination. He is free on bond but couldn't be reached for comment today.