Lexington Mayor Releases Statement About Alleged Racially Charged Assault

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ)- Lexington Mayor Jim Gray released a statement Wednesday afternoon about an alleged racially charged assault that was reported last week involving a manager at Portofino Restaurant in downtown Lexington.

Three African-American teen girls say a white manager at the restaurant chased them through downtown Lexington and assaulted them on November 5, 2016, after accusing them of stealing a jacket.

On November 12, 2016, community activists criticized the handling of the case.

Mayor Gray’s statement, in its entirety, is below:

“The investigation into the incident at Portofino’s Restaurant is continuing. Since Nov. 5, when police were called to the scene at the Main Street restaurant, officers have worked diligently to uncover the facts in this case. The city and the police have taken the case, and the issues that surround it, very seriously, especially because several young people are involved. Members of my staff have met with, and kept in close contact with, police throughout this investigation. We appreciate the community’s patience as we allow our judicial process to work.”

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November 12, 2016

A Lexington community says it’s being barred from getting the justice it deserves. Protesters gathered outside the Fayette Circuit Courthouse earlier to support three girls who claim they were assaulted by the manager at Portofino restaurant last week. The girls believe the attack was racially motivated, and say the restaurant manager and some waitresses used racial slurs. Supporters say they’re upset because they say the restaurant was able file theft charges while detectives told the girls’ mother charges of robbery, assault, and disorderly conduct aren’t warranted in the case. One supporter says this is not a black issue, or a white issue, it’s about equal justice under the law.

After making a stand in front of the courthouse, protestors marched to Portofino hoping to turn away business.

Response from the Lexington Police Department:

“Last weekend a theft report was taken and an Assault 4th report was taken. These reports are just the initial documentation of a complaint to start an investigation. Over the past week police have interviewed the individuals involved and several witnesses. Our investigation is ongoing as we continue to gather evidence.”

Response from Portofino’s Restaurant:

   “Portofino’s in its many years in business has a record rooted in strong community service and inclusiveness. We consider fairness and diversity to be bedrock principles for our philosophy of serving the public.  We believe these values are reflected in all aspects of our practices.

   As we do not wish to interfere with or compromise the investigations that are currently ongoing in relationship to the alleged incident on Saturday night, we are confident that the outcome of the official inquiries will be consistent with our belief that the inconsistencies of the many conflicting reports on the evening’s events will show a much different picture than those that have been put forth on social media. 

   Our concern for our staff members, our property and our reputation as an important member of our community’s socially and ethically responsible group of businesses are real.  We hope that the community at large will be patient and allow the authorities to do their work.  Rest assured that we want only to determine the truth about the facts and will respond according to those facts.”