Court records show an Asian couple was assaulted by a woman who heard them speaking Mandarin on the light rail.
Police say that on May 20 an Asian couple was conversing in Mandarin on the light rail in Tempe when 22-year-old Kalie Rutledge took exception to their conversation. She reportedly told them, "I don't speak Chinese, shut the ____ up!"
Witnesses say the couple got off the light rail at the next stop. They say Rutledge followed them and punched the female victim in the face, fracturing her eye socket. The male victim stepped in front of the victim and was also punched in the face. Rutledge then left the area but was soon found by police and arrested.
Rutledge faces charges of assault, aggravated assault and disorderly conduct.
