http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003160727_haq29.html
By Seattle Times staff
When Naveed Haq graduated from Richland High School in 1994, his yearbook photo revealed a big smile, friendly eyes, buttoned-down collar and smart tie. "Peace Be Unto You" were the words that appeared with his name and picture. Other students said that image and message fit the young man.
"He was a pretty calm, collected, happy guy," said Talon Wiser, a Richland man who had English classes with Haq. "I've never seen the guy get mad at anybody."
Twelve years later, Haq left a darker impression. In March of this year, he climbed up on a raised coin fountain inside Kennewick's Columbia Center mall and began "catcalling" women at the makeup counter at the nearby Macy's store, said Lisa Beaton, a Kennewick city prosecutor. When young women walked by his perch, Haq unzipped his pants and allegedly flashed his penis at them, Beaton said.
Haq, 30, was charged with lewd conduct — a gross misdemeanor — and was scheduled to stand trial in Benton County District Court on Thursday. But the trial was postponed, said Haq's attorney, Larry Stephenson, because Stephenson had to try a different case in another courtroom.
In high school, Haq struck classmates as pretty middle of the road: not outgoing but not reclusive, smart but not brilliant, small of stature and not terribly athletic. Despite his family's long-standing involvement in the Muslim faith — his father helped found Richland's Islamic Center in 1981 — Haq didn't make a show of his religion.
"He was never up front about his faith or religion," said Andres Atencio, who has known Haq since sixth grade. --EXCERPTED--