Florida Woman Charged With Assault, Ethnic Intimidation in Wake County Attack That Left Victim Injured

Cary, NC — A woman accused of a violent assault that left a victim with a head injury and broken nose now faces an additional charge of ethnic intimidation, escalating the case into a potential hate crime investigation. Laisha Antwainet Rivas, 23, of Miami, Florida, has been charged by the Cary Police Department with felony assault inflicting serious bodily injury, felony conspiracy, and ethnic intimidation, according to arrest warrants. Investigators allege the victim suffered a closed head injury, multiple bruises and abrasions, and a fractured nasal bone during the attack. Allegations include coordinated assault Authorities say Rivas did not act alone. According to the warrants, she allegedly conspired with unidentified male suspects to carry out the assault. Details about those individuals have not been released, and it is unclear whether additional arrests are expected. The extent of planning behind the attack could become a central issue as the case moves forward. Ethnic intimidation charge raises stakes The case intensified with the addition of an ethnic intimidation charge. Investigators allege the victim was targeted because of her Hispanic race, elevating the incident beyond a standard assault case. Under North Carolina law, that charge can carry additional penalties if prosecutors prove bias