WeHo Resident Reports First Hate Crime Of 2015

WEST HOLLYWOOD—Walking to his home at 2 a.m. after celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Don Brooks was attacked in an alleged hate crime on the streets of West Hollywood.

The 31-year-old was approached by a group of men at the corner of Santa Monica Boulevard and Fairfax Avenue. Driving in a white Audi SUV, the men allegedly shouted racial and homophobic slurs at Brooks.

Brooks reported that when he told the suspects to stop, they got out of the car and approached him, pushing him to the pavement and causing his head to impact the ground.

After suspects shouted racial and homophobic slurs at Brooks, the West Hollywood resident is terming the attack a hate crime.
After suspects shouted racial and homophobic slurs at Brooks, the West Hollywood resident is terming the attack a hate crime.

Following the attack, which lasted less than one minute, Brooks was promptly taken to the hospital and received treatment for a substantial gash to the back of his head.

In the aftermath of the attack, Brooks has been active on social media, connecting with friends and family.

At @richyrich909 tweeted: “Well I’m alive. Banged up but alive. My head is pretty banged up and I had to have staples. Hopefully they’ll find the guys. Thanks guys!”

Brooks is planning to file an official complaint with the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Department. His attack is the first Hate Crime of the year reported in the city.

The suspects have been described as Armenian men between 20-30 years-old. Deputies are still searching for the suspects. Anyone with information is urged to come forward and report to the West Hollywood Sheriff Station at (310) 855-8850.