Teen Detained In Beating Outside Gay Club; Police Say Assault Was Gang Related
El Paso Police have arrested a teen in the assault of a 22-year-old man outside a gay nightclub on Saturday, May 7. Police also have classified the assault as being gang related and “was not not committed based on bias of race, color, disability, religion, national origin or ancestry, age, gender or sexual preference,” according to police officials.
The unnamed juvenile was referred to the Juvenile Probation Department for the offense of aggravated assault.
Lionel Martinez remains in critical condition. The F.B.I. Is investigating the incident as a civil rights violation.
Police investigators continue their investigation and anticipate more arrests.
At about 12:20 a.m. Saturday, Martinez was outside the club waiting for a ride when a verbal confrontation began between him and six others males, according to police.
The confrontation became physical with the six males punching, kicking, and eventually using a bat to hit Martinez, police said.
One of the Martinez’s friends had her vehicle damaged by the suspect who had the bat when he struck her 2003 Jeep Liberty’s windshield with the bat to stop her from helping the victim. The victim was transported to University Medical Center (UMC) in critical condition.
The suspects are believed to have fled the area in a van type vehicle. Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to call the El Paso Police at 915-832-4400 or to remain anonymous call Crime Stoppers at 915-566-8477.
Related Links:Link:Woman Says Police Didn’t Classify Her Beating Outside Gay Club As Hate CrimeLink:El Paso Police Statement Regarding Hate Crime Allegations
