Spokane police arrest 2 in assault on homeless transgender woman

SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) — Spokane police say detectives have arrested two men in connection with an assault on a homeless transgender woman.

Police said Tuesday that a 45-year-old man was arrested for investigation of second-degree assault and malicious harassment in the Friday night beating. A 43-year-old man was arrested for investigation of malicious harassment.

Police say the investigation continues.

About 150 people attended Monday night's city council meeting in Spokane, many of them at the request of the Human Rights Commission to show support for a transgender woman.

Many called for better training for police after an incident Friday night in which a homeless transgender woman was assaulted by two men who had been drinking at a bar. The victim said police were disrespectful and referred to her as a man.

A police spokeswoman told The Spokesman-Review reports the incident, including the behavior of the officers is under investigation.

Police released surveillance photos of the suspected attackers Tuesday.