BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – The man accused of committing a racially motivated assault against a child in Bellingham has been found incompetent to stand trial.
Court documents state that 42-year-old Paul Bittner underwent a competency evaluation by a licensed psychologist on July 25. The psychologist diagnosed Bittner with schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type and concluded that he does not have the capacity to assist in his own defense.
The evaluation noted that he had previously been diagnosed with schizophrenia and had been prescribed anti-psychotic medications in the past.
Bittner is accused of punching an 11-year-old Black student in the face and making a racially charged comment while the student was on a field trip with Whatcom Middle School on June 12.
The boy suffered a fractured tooth on his lower jaw and an injury to his nose as a result of the attack, which occurred right outside the Bellingham Police Department.
Bittner, who is white, is charged with commission of a hate crime and 2nd degree assault with substantial bodily harm. He pleaded not guilty to both felonies on June 21.
The Whatcom County Jail roster shows that Bittner has been transferred to Western State Hospital to begin his 90-day treatment before a reevaluation of his ability to stand trial.
