The Victoria Police Department is looking for the public’s help identifying a potential suspect in a hate crime.
A man was allegedly hit in the head by a bottle as the attacker yelled derogatory terms about the victim’s sexual orientation.
Police said early in the morning of June 24, just after 1 a.m., VicPD patrol officers were called to the 1300-block of Douglas Street to find a man with non-life-threatening injuries.
Witnesses to the incident reported that the victim had been assaulted and struck over the head with a bottle by a man he did not know, according to a VicPD release on Thursday.
Witnesses also said the suspect was yelling derogatory terms regarding the victim’s sexual orientation during the alleged assault with a weapon.
The suspect then fled the scene with a small group and officers were unable to find either the suspect or the small group, despite a search of the area.
The victim was taken to hospital and was treated for his injuries.
The suspect is described as a Caucasian man, with blond hair, a black baseball hat, a grey hoodie and black pants. An image of the suspect was captured on nearby surveillance and police are asking the public to look at the photo to see if you can help identify him.
The police are classifying this as a hate crime, and if you recognize this suspect, or have information about this incident and have not yet spoken to police, you are asked to call (250) 995-7654, extension 1. To report what you know anonymously, call Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
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Rebecca Lawrence
