SPOKANE-- A neo-Nazi is in jail because he allegedly tried to pick a fight with the wrong man, according to the Southern Poverty Law Center.
According to the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office, Daren C. Abbey, 28, is accused of verbally confronting and then assaulting Marlon L. Baker, a 46-year-old African American. It happened inside a Bayview, Idaho bar on July 3.
According to the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office, Baker was approached by Abbey. Investigators said Abbey began threatening to stab Baker if he would not leave Bayview. Investigators said Abbey said "blacks are not welcome here." After continued harassment, Baker left the bar and walked about 400 yards with Abbey following behind him yelling racial slurs.
Baker finally turned around and Abbey came at him. That's when investigators said Baker punched Abbey in the face once, knocking him down. Investigators said Baker was wearing a shirt that said "Spokane Boxing Club Champion". Investigators also said Abbey was intoxicated.
The Southern Poverty Law Center spoke to the owner of Spokane Boxing who said Baker has never been a licensed professional boxer, to his knowledge. It is possible Baker may have informal boxing experience.
Investigators said Abbey is listed as a transient out of Coeur d'Alene. He has ties to California and Montana. Reports show Abbey had contact with police in Coeur d'Alene in 2004. He has multiple tattoos including swastikas and a thunderbolt. He also has a shaved head.
According to SPLC, Abbey was arrested and booked into jail on charges of battery, a misdemeanor, and felony malicious harassment. Officials said Baker was not injured and not charged.
Abbey was treated for a possible broken nose after being booked into the Kootenai County Jail.
Abbey is being held on $75,000 bond.
