Police are investigating an attack that happened in the parking lot of a Dallas Target.
The assault took place Saturday just before 11 p.m. in the 2400 of North Haskell Avenue, officers say.
According to The Dallas Morning News, two masked men approached 33-year-old Derek Whitener in the parking lot. They beat him with a pipe as he was walking to his car.
The men didn't steal anything and have not been caught.
Whitener was transported to Baylor Medical Center Dallas, where he had surgery for a fractured skull.
Friends and family of Whitener have created a GoFundMe account to help him with his medical bills and loss of income.
Whitener is the artistic and education director of The Firehouse Theatre in Farmers Branch. His family released the following statement Monday:
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We are deeply saddened by the attack that took place Saturday night involving our son Derek Whitener. Derek is well-known in the Texas theater community, and his contributions to the profession as a director, actor and costume designer are recognized by many.
Derek is a good person, one who delights in using his craft to bring joy to those around him. He did not deserve to be the victim of such a brutal and cowardly attack.
Right now, our family is focused on his recovery. We want to do everything in our power to help him heal and, likewise, all that is possible to support the police in their investigation. In that regard, we’re asking that anyone who saw anything Saturday night come forward and help.
For Derek, we ask for your continued thoughts and prayers.
