Man chased, beaten by group may have been victim of hate crime
SEATTLE -- Police are searching for a group of men and women that allegedly chased a suspect, called him derogatory names based on his sexual orientation and beat him early Monday morning in Capitol Hill.
Officers responded to a report of an assault shortly after midnight in the 200 block of Summit Avenue East. The 37-year-old victim told police that he was walking eastbound when he was approached by two women and three men who began to intimidate and harass him. The victim -- attempting to avoid a fight -- took off running. However, the suspects allegedly caught the victim and beat him up.
Police said the victim suffered a broken nose, minor lacerations to his face and knee abrasions. He was transported to Harborview Medical Center for treatment. The victim had been drinking prior to assault, police said, and was only able to provide a vague description of the suspects. An area check by police couldn't find anyone.
Anyone with information on this assault is encouraged to call 911.