Latino Men Beaten In Apparent Hate Crime
June 21, 2006 No Comments6/21/06 Channel10.com
SAN DIEGO — A tire iron was used to nearly beat two men to death in what police believe may be a hate crime. The incident took place Tuesday night in Pacific Beach. The victims were sitting under a bridge in the 2700 block of Garnet Avenue along Rose Creek.
The two Latino men were sitting on a mound of dirt when several white men and a white woman approached them, making racial comments, police said.“It’s a brutal and vicious attack on two individuals who were simply minding their business,” said San Diego police Lt. Brian Ahearn. Ahearn said race was the only reason for the beating and for the blood left along a bike path. One victim was struck in the head with a tire iron but was able to run to get help. The second victim just could not get away.Ahearn said, “One man had badly bruised ribs and was beaten significantly about the face and torso area. He was also hit in the head with a tire iron and received a concussion.”
Ahearn added that police might have an idea about who the attackers might be.“The attackers are probably locals who hang out in the area,” said Ahearn. He also said they are probably homeless, like their victims. “Normally homeless individuals take care of one another. They’re down on their luck kind of support each other regardless of race,” said Ahearn. The two men beaten were taken to Scripps La Jolla for medical care. As for the attackers, police detectives are looking for help from anyone who may have witnessed the incident. Police are asking anyone with information to call 858-552-1700.
