White supremacist says he stabbed student because she is Asian

COLUMBUS, Ind. (WISH) – A woman who suffered a hatchet attack in downtown Nashville is out of the hospital.

According to court documents, Dana Ericson attacked her as she snapped photos of downtown Nashville.

The attack happened on the corner of Gould and Van Buren Street.

The victim told police she heard Ericson say,”I am going to kill to you.”

When questioned by investigators, Ericson told detectives he is a white supremacist. He went on to say he targeted the teenager because she is Asian, and that he hates them.

The victim suffered a cut in the back two inches in length. Doctors estimate the hatchet came just an inch from the teen’s spine.

Residents and businesses along the popular corner of town were hurt after learning about the attack.

“It hurt me to the quick, I’m still not over it,” said resident Roger Naper.

Ericson is currently in the Brown County Jail awaiting trial. Prosecutors asked for a 72 hour continuance, as they try to determine Ericson’s mental stability before filing charges.

According to residents Ericson takes medication, and he didn’t take his pills the day of stabbing.

The victim’s host family declined a request for interview through a family friend. Despite the attack, residents in Nashville have started a letter campaign to offer support to the victim during this troubling time.

Residents are asking the public to address the letter to Z, and send it to Brown County High School P.O. Box 68 Nashville, Indiana, 47448.