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Man arrested after alleged hate crime against UK employee

A screenshot from video of Damian Hisle on Aug 11, 2026, the moment after the alleged attack.
A screenshot from video of Damian Hisle on Aug 11, 2026, the moment after the alleged attack.

A man was arrested on Saturday after he allegedly threatened and spat on a Muslim woman wearing a hijab outside UK Hospital.

Damian Hisle faces charges of harassment and third-degree terroristic threatening, according to court documents.

A criminal complaint says Hisle approached the woman as she walked to her car after work on Aug. 11, spit in her face and said, “That’s what I think of you people.” He also allegedly threatened to kill her.

Hisle is being held at the Fayette County Detention Center and is scheduled to appear in court Monday at 1 p.m.

Karyn Czar has been a journalist with WUKY since 2013 and is currently the Assistant News Director. She received her bachelor's degree from the University of Kentucky and brings more than 30 years of broadcast experience to NPR. Karyn's work has been recognized with numerous Associated Press, Kentucky Broadcaster Association, Public Media Journalist, and Edward R. Murrow awards throughout her career.