Madison Police Investigating Assault, Burning of Black Woman as Hate Crime

The Madison Police Department is investigating the assault and burning of an 18-year-old black woman early Wednesday as a hate crime.  Officers say the woman was stopped at a red light when she heard someone yell a racial slur and saw four white men outside her car.  She said one of them sprayed liquid on her face and neck and threw a flaming lighter at her.  The lighter fluid ignited and she was able to pat out the flames.  She was treated for burns at the hospital and will need to return for further care.  Boys and Girls Club C-E-O Michael Johnson identified the victim as Althea Bernstein and said the family is asking for privacy as she recovers.  Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Madison Area Crime Stoppers.