Suspects in water pellet drive-by and harassment outside Capitol Hills Pony gay bar charged with hate crime

Three suspects have been charged with a hate crime in connection with a water pellet drive-by incident outside the Pony gay bar in Capitol Hill. The King County Prosecutor's office identified the suspects as 19-year-old Justin Mayor, 24-year-old Jessica Clark, and a 17-year-old minor. Witnesses reported that the trio shouted homophobic slurs while firing water pellets from a vehicle. The Seattle Police Department utilized video evidence and social media to track down the suspects and the vehicle involved, which was identified as a repossessed Lexus. During interrogations, Clark and Mayor offered convoluted explanations but ultimately admitted their actions.

They claimed they were unaware that Pony was a gay bar and were simply passing by. The prosecutor's office emphasized the seriousness of the hate crime charges, contrasting with the suspects' expressions of remorse. Court dates are scheduled for mid-April, with orders for the suspects to remain away from the bar during the proceedings.