Police Investigating Attack Outside Old Pasadena Bar as Hate Crime

Police say they are investigating an incident outside of a local bar as a hate crime.

On Friday three men were attacked outside of ix Tapa Cantina bar on Colorado Boulevard following an LGBTQ+ event.

According to reports the group was attacked by several men from behind leaving one of the victims unconscious. That victim was taken to Huntington hospital and has since been released.

The victims suffered cuts and bruises.

At least one suspect brandished a weapon after one of the victims threatened to take pictures of his license plate.

“He turned around with a weapon and said, ‘Do you want to take a picture of my license plate now?'” Ray Carabantes told KABC News. “So immediately, I thought to myself, ‘I’m just going to run away.'”

Another victim said the attack left them looking like bowling pins as they were being “knocked out.”

Police released a statement on Twitter on Tuesday.

“The Pasadena Police Department is aware of and are actively investigating an incident that occurred last week as patrons were leaving the Ixtapa Cantina Bar,” the police department posted on its Twitter page. “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.”

According to the police department several community members have already come forward and provided information to the department.

“The Pasadena Police Department recognizes the importance of protecting the safety and dignity of all of our community members and we stand in solidarity with those affected by the heinous attacks perpetrated last week,” according to the statement. “We are committed to ensuring the public’s safety and will be providing resources and referrals to services for those who were affected by this crime.”