Beating investigated as possible hate crime
GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) – Gainesville police say they are investigating a weekend beating as a possible hate crime.
The 19-year-old victim told investigators that his attackers made comments about his sexual orientation during the beating on Sunday night.
Gainesville police Detective Mike Schentrup said the attack started after the 19-year-old asked a woman had who bumped into him for an apology. The woman called over a group of men, including her boyfriend, and the scuffle began.
According to The Gainesville Sun, a 20-year-old Gainesville man has been arrested in connection to the attack. Online jail records indicate that the man charged with aggravated battery and is being held in Alachua County jail without bond. It’s unclear if he already has an attorney.