Hate Crime New Years Day in Santa Barbara

Pacific Pride Foundation has recently received information about a potential violent hate crime that took place on New Years Eve in Santa Barbara. The Santa Barbara Police Department is looking for information from the community to assist in their investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice, and their Media Release can be found below. If you have any information that could be relevant, we urge you to contact Detective Kushner at (805) 897-2345.

Hate crimes are intended to send a message of fear and alienation. Our best response to an act this horrific is to come together in solidarity for the safety of all those who call Santa Barbara home.




MEDIA RELEASE

Assault Believed to be Hate Motivated
Police Seeking Public's Help

SANTA BARBARA, CA - 01/03/2012

Following the festive New Year's Eve celebration during the early morning hours on 1/1/12, at approximately 1:42 a.m., two male victims exited a downtown bar and were walking to their vehicle parked near Ortega St. and Chapala St.

The two male victims were confronted by three male suspects whom they had never met. One of the suspects focused his attention on the victims and made a derogatory comment. The suspects then violently attacked the victims resulting in one victim suffering a broken jaw and a head injury requiring staples to close. The other victim suffered minor injuries that did not require medical attention. Based on the ongoing investigation, it appears that the suspects perceived the victims to be gay which is believed to be the motivation for the attack.

The suspects are described as follows:

Suspect 1: White male adult, 20's, 5'4" / 160 lbs with a shaved head. White and black plaid long sleeve shirt.
Suspect 2: White male adult, 20's, 6'1" with a shaved head, Dark clothing.
Suspect 3: White male adult, 20's, with a shaved head. Dark clothing.

Chief Cam Sanchez wants the public to know, "That Hate crimes like these will not be tolerated and those responsible will be held accountable". The Santa Barbara Police Department is actively investigating this assault as a potential hate crime and requests help from the public in identifying the suspects. Information related to this case can be provided anonymously. Please contact Det. Kushner at (805) 897-2345 with any information.

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