Fund-raiser Planned for Victim in Beating That's Under Investigation as Hate Crime

There's a benefit next week in Northeast Portland to raise money for a man police believe was assaulted likely because he is gay.

The Dec. 18 fund-raiser beginning at 9 pm at the Tonic Lounge (3100 NE Sandy Blvd.) is being organized by Ian Mandis. His friend works with the man whose attacker left him with serious head and abdominal injuries.

Bands playing at the event include The People's Meat, a rock 'n' roll band Mandis is in; and Subversive, a hiphop group.

"It just felt like the right thing to do," Mandis said. "I was just so upset by it—the homophobia and to see something like this, and to see my friend so upset. I wondered what I could do."

The money raised at the Dec. 18 fund-raiser will be given to help the victim cover medical costs and the income he's lost for being out of work. The entry cost of the event is $6 and guests are asked to donate $5 to $10.

Police are still looking for the assailant who severely beat his victim early Nov. 1, leaving him unconscious on the train tracks below the overpass at Southeast 16th Ave. and Brooklyn St. If you have any information regarding the attack, please contact Crime Stoppers at 503-823-HELP, leave a tip online or text "823HELP" along with your tip to 274697. You may remain anonymous.

Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information about this incident that results in an arrest.

Here's an interview KATU did with the victim:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVwOmcfjRmY&feature=player_embedded[/youtube]

And here's a sketch of the suspect: