Norfolk man arrested in hate crime assault on UNL’s campus

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – A man has been arrested in a hate crime assault Sunday on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s City Campus.

The assailant, a 21-year-old Cale Wacker of Norfolk, was arrested Thursday on suspicion of third-degree assault with a hate crime enhancement.

Wacker is not affiliated with the university.

UNL Police Chief Hassan Ramzah commended the agency for its quick action in the case.

“We had several tips reported on Crimestoppers and are very appreciative for the public’s help in making an arrest in this case,” he said in a press release.

The assault happened around 2 a.m. on Sunday outside of Jorgenson Hall.

Officials reported that a group of people was approached by an unknown man on a sidewalk.

He asked one of them if they were gay, then called the victim a homophobic slur and slammed them onto the ground, according to Lincoln Crime Stoppers.

Chancellor Rodney Bennett addressed the university community after the safety alert.

“Our path to excellence requires that everyone be able to work and learn in an atmosphere of safety, respect and dignity,” Bennet said in a statement.