Five arrests have been made after what some allege was an anti-gay hate crime in Oregon.
As KGW News is reporting, 24-year-old Adam Salnardi was attacked and robbed by five people in a Gresham, Ore. park on Feb. 15. Investigators say several masked men and one masked woman displayed guns before punching and kicking Salnardi, eventually stealing his wallet, cell phone and other items, according to the report.
"I thought I was going to die. Once I saw the gun, I thought I was going to die," Salnardi told KOMO News. As to whether or not the attack was motivated by his sexuality, he added, ""Possibly. I only had $10 in my wallet ... When I was on the ground, they called me a f--- and just calling me rude names."
The suspects are 19-year-old Justin Simms, three 16-year-old males and a 14-year-old female. All face charges of robbery, assault and intimidation, according to the reports.
KOMO News cites investigators who say Salnardi was also under the impression he'd be meeting a homeless man in the park who needed his help.
"We were just talking and he told me wanted to hang out, that he was homeless, I thought maybe I’d be able to help him and I just go there to meet him," he is quoted as saying.
Incidentally, the town of Gresham is also home to Sweet Cakes By Melissa, the bakery whose owners sparked a national debate when they turned away a lesbian couple who sought a wedding cake.
Before You Go
