Dallas police are searching for a group of men they say beat a man with a bat as part of a hate crime.[[328565841,C]]
Officers told NBC 5 a 29-year-old man was walking near the intersection of Wycliff Avenue and Sylvester Street Sunday at about 9:15 p.m. after the Alan Ross Freedom Parade when he was approached by four men.
The men struck the victim with their hands, feet and a bat, according to police. During the attack, the men used several derogatory statements referencing the victim's perceived sexual orientation. During the prolonged assault, the men also stole property from his pockets, then left the scene, police said.
The victim suffered a fractured skull and numerous cuts, abrasions and bruises.
“He had blood everywhere in the ears and his face. It was very bad,” said Francisco Garcia who lives at the intersection where the attack happened.
Garcia said he was at a neighbor’s house when he heard the man crying for help.
“I tried to help him. [I] said 'don’t talk, the police, the ambulance are coming soon. Don’t talk. Everything is okay,'” Garcia tried to reassure the man.
Local
The latest news from around North Texas.
The man was transported to a hospital and was released within 24 hours.
The victim’s mother, who didn’t want to be identified, said her son had recently moved to Dallas for a job. She’s now fearful for his safety.
LGBT community leaders said it’s sad such a vicious attack happened on a day meant for celebration.
“It’s heartbreaking,” said Rafael McDonnell with Resource Center. “They knew people were going to be down here celebrating, tens of thousands of people and they were looking for a target.”
McDonnell said despite recent strides for the LGBT community, including marriage equality, there are still many battles that need to be fought.
“Changing hearts is certainly one of them and safety for our LGBT community is certainly one of them. And this incident just points out what that battle is going to be like,” he said.
Police said their preliminary investigation indicates the incident was a hate crime.
Officers are looking for witnesses and any video evidence. Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 214-671-3638.
NBC 5's Amanda Guerra contributed to this report.
