PORTLAND, Oregon – A white man in Oregon has been sentenced to three years in prison for brutally attacking a Black food truck owner in southeast Portland. Daniel Thomas Warren, 40, pleaded guilty to one count of third-degree assault and no contest to a first-degree bias crime. The incident, which occurred on June 15, 2023, involved Warren spewing racial slurs at the owner, Darell Preston, outside his food truck while he was delivering food.
Warren’s sentencing came after a racially motivated attack on Darell Preston, the owner of LoRell’s Chicken Shack. The judge ordered Warren to complete rehabilitation programs and drug treatment to address the crime. Warren, who has a history of criminal offenses including assault and coercion, left Preston with a fractured face, broken nose, and several lacerations to his eyes and mouth.
The attack was captured on surveillance footage and cellphone videos from witnesses, showing Warren beating and kicking Preston while bystanders drove by without intervening. Despite the trauma from the incident, Preston’s family provided a victim impact statement during the sentencing hearing, describing the lasting impact of the hate crime on their lives.
Preston shared in his statement the fear and anxiety he now experiences after the attack, highlighting the deep impact it has had on his mental well-being. The community rallied around Preston, with donations towards a GoFundMe campaign reaching over $92,000 to support him through his recovery.
The incident sparked outrage and calls for justice, with Preston’s attorney emphasizing the importance of holding individuals accountable for bias-motivated violence. The swift and decisive action taken by Portland residents sent a clear message that victims must be taken seriously, and perpetrators of hate crimes will be held responsible.
Despite the challenges Preston has faced since the attack, he remains committed to serving his community and upholding the values instilled in him by his family. The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle against racism and the importance of standing together to combat hate and injustice in all forms. The case exemplifies the power of community-led justice and the resilience of individuals in the face of adversity.