Anti-LGBTQ+ Attack in Pasadena Sparks Active Hate Crime Investigation
The Pasadena Police Department needs public assistance in finding the individuals responsible for attacking three Ixtapa Cantina Bar patrons in March.
A police department spokesperson posted a statement on social media:
We are aware of and are actively investigating an incident that occurred last week as patrons were leaving the Ixtapa Cantina Bar. The incident is being investigated as a hate crime and we are asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident to provide any information that can help in the identification and apprehension of a suspect or suspects.
We thank those community members who have already come forward to provide some information and we encourage others to do the same by calling the police department or by contacting Los Angeles Crime Stoppers.
KABC 7 Los Angeles reported that Diamond Gonzalez told reporters his group of three were leaving the bar when they were attacked in the parking lot of the bar.
“A group of guys came up and attacked us,” he said. “My back was faced toward them and they hit me from the back and just knocked me out cold.”
Gonzales was taken to a local hospital. He and his friends suffered multiple cuts and bruises.
“Everyone looked like bowling pins, getting knocked out,” said Noah Offield, one of three who were attacked.
The other victim, Ray Carabantes tried to take pictures of the assailant’s license plate number but was unsuccessful.
“He turned around with a weapon and said, ‘Do you want to take a picture of my license plate now?’” recalled Carabantes. “So immediately, I thought to myself, ‘I’m just going to run away.’”
Pasadena police and the three victims believ