SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Dec. 1, 2018 (Gephardt Daily) — A 50-year-old Salt Lake City man has been arrested on suspicion of assaulting a stranger with a metal pipe, according to legal documents.
Alan Dale Covington allegedly walked into Lopez Tires, at 1621 S. Main, at 9:36 a.m. Tuesday, carrying metal pipe estimated at five feet. According to reports from witnesses, the man said he intended to “kill a Mexican person,” adding that he hated Mexicans, and asking those present if they were part of the “Mexican mafia.”
Witnesses say that Covington then began striking Luis Lopez, 19. Jose Lopez arrived and shielded his critically injured son, taking subsequent blows himself, being hit in the back and forearm.
Another male family member then came on the scene, and Covington fled, according to reports.
Covington has been charged with aggravated assault resulting in serious bodily injury, possession of a dangerous weapon by a restricted person, and aggravated assault. He is being held in the Salt Lake County Jail in lieu of $100,000 bail. It will be up to the district attorney if Covington will be prosecuted for a hate crime.
(Covington was also arrested on June 29 of this year for aggravated assault. A probable cause statement says he is alleged to have punched his ex-fiance in the face, then brandished a handgun at her. Their engagement appears to have ended about four years prior to the attack, according to the statement.)
The probable cause statement on the garage attack doesn’t go into much detail:
“A/P confronted employees at the business and struck two victims about the head and neck area,” the probable cause statement says. “Victim obtained serious injuries and was transported to hospital in critical condition and was unconscious at the time.”
A GoFundMe page that says it was posted by Veronica Lopez offers more detail:
“On Nov. 27 2018 my brother Luis G. Lopez and Jose L. Lopez were victims of a hate crime at my dad’s mechanic shop, Lopez Tires,” it says.
“My dad’s business has been closed since. My dad got eight stitches in his arm and has his back severely bruised due to the blows he received. My brothers right side of his face was shattered, he had a three hour surgery to place a titanium plate from the right side of his face to his nose to be able to attach the bones and keep his eyeball in place and a plate under that.
“We are asking for your help through this difficult time, being that my brother nor dad of any health insurance, any donations made will be greatly appreciated by our entire family. Thank you all for your prayers and positive vibes. Our family is overwhelmed by all the love and support!”
As of Monday morning, the GoFundMe page had surpassed it’s original goal of raising $20,000 by more than $32,000.
Several donors also left messages:
● “I’m glad this fund is going over the asked for amount. This kind of hospital stay is going to cost more than you think. Wishing you a speedy recovery.”
● “Just read about this. So sorry to hear and so sorry that you guys were targeted like this. Sending love from Atlanta.”
● “American does not treat people like this because they are a Mexican.”
● “Praying for your family, and a full recovery. Sending love from Colorado from one hard working Mexican family business to another.”
● “We are so sorry your family were the victims of this horrible hate crime. I wish you a speedy recovery, and know that there is a lot of us here who are happy to have you in our community.”
● “There are no words to describe how sad and angry I am about this. wishing you and your family my love and healing.”
● “No one should have to be the victim of a hate crime!”
● “I want Luis, Jose, and the entire Lopez family to know that Im proud to call each of you a fellow Utahn.”
Editor’s note: At least one other GoFundMe page exists, saying it will benefit the Lopez family, but admitting the creator does not know the family. Gephardt Daily cannot ensure money sent to GoFundMe accounts will reach the intended recipient. If the family officially endorses a specific account, Gephardt Daily will pass along that information.
