Ellington

CORINTH, Miss. (AP) — The Corinth Police Department is investigating an assault on a Corinth man as a possible hate crime.

Investigators said James David Scott, 23, of Tishomingo County, confronted Devin Norman, 26, of Corinth, in a Walmart parking lot Friday about an alleged social media post.

Police Chief Ralph Dance told WTVA, "The alleged Facebook post was apparently sexual in nature."

Police said Scott threw Norman to the ground and kicked him several times in the face.

Norman was treated for severe wounds to the face, including at least one broken cheek bone.

Scott fled the scene, but was later arrested and charged with assault.

Dance said Norman and several others said Scott beat him because he is gay. Authorities say they haven't reached that conclusion but that they are investigating.