Source: Salem News, KPOJ, Oregonian
PORTLAND -- Police in Washington County, a Portland suburban area, say a 20-year-old woman was attacked Tuesday and beaten because of her sexual orientation.
Sgt. Dave Thompson with the Washington County Sheriff's Office, says the victim was walking on SW 174th Avenue in Aloha when she was attacked by a white male.
"The man initially asked her for a cigarette, but became angry when he learned her sexual orientation. The man threw her to the ground and struck her several times with a rock. The woman suffered non-life-threatening injuries."
Thompson says the woman told deputies that at about 6:00 pm, she was walking east on SW 174th Avenue in Aloha.
"At the intersection of SW Alexander Street, she noticed a man following her. After a short time, the man called out to her and asked her for a cigarette"
When she said she didn't smoke, Thompson said the man asked the woman if she was gay and she told him that she was gay.
"The suspect became angry and told the woman 'that was disgusting,' and said she was going to hell," Thompson said.
A scuffle followed, he added. The woman was pushed to the ground, but she got up and fought back.
"The suspect jumped on the victim as she was face down. He held her down and began striking her in the face and head with a rock and his fists," Thompson recounted.
"The victim was eventually able to get free and she ran away from the suspect. The victim was transported to the hospital by a friend where she received treatment for injuries sustained in the attack."
Thompson says the victim told deputies that she had never seen the man and described him as white, between the ages of 16 and 22 with a baby face, 6 feet tall with a slender build and very large and pronounced ears. He was wearing a zipped up dark jacket, white T-shirt, dark jeans and black "skater" type shoes.
Sheriff's detectives are requesting that anyone who witnessed the attack or recognizes someone fitting the description of the suspect, call Detective Andy Hays at (503) 846-2500.
Source: Portland Woman Assaulted For Being Gay | Salem-News.Com
Gay woman targeted in attack, Washington County authorities say | Oregonian
Woman attacked for being Gay | KPOJ
Last modified: 13 Nov 08 08:08
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