A Salem man is facing a hate crime accusation after allegedly attacking a store owner and trying to steal his Sikh head covering.

Andrew Ramsey is accused of misdemeanor second-degree intimidation and fourth-degree assault charges in the Monday incident, records show. Intimidation is a hate crime in Oregon.

The owner of Salem’s 12th Street Market told KATU (2) that Ramsey tried to purchase cigarettes but didn’t have identification with him. The owner refused to sell him the cigarettes, he told the news station, and Ramsey became angry and fought him.

A witness told KPTV (12) that Ramsey pulled the man’s beard, punched him in the face, pulled him to the ground and kicked him. The witness and other bystanders jumped in to stop the attack and held Ramsey down until police arrived, according to the news station.

Police said Ramsey threw a shoe at the man and tried to steal his head covering, which is called a dastar, according to KPTV.

A court document alleges Ramsey subjected the man to “offensive physical contact” because of his perception of the man’s religion.

The man who was attacked told KPTV he’s back at work and doing well.

Ramsey remains in Marion County custody. He has a plea hearing scheduled for Thursday, according to court records.

— Jim Ryan; jryan@oregonian.com; 503-221-8005; @Jimryan015

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