Attack victims believe they were targeted for being gay

KSDK-- St. Louis Police are investigating an attack early Saturday outside a nightclub on Chouteau Avenue. And while police say it's too soon to tell whether this will be categorized as a hate crime, the victims believe they were targeted because they're gay.

Jacob Piwowarczyk says, "I have a soft tissue bruise on my elbow. I have six stitches in my eye and I have a mild concussion."

These are the physical reminders, of a night Piwowarczyk won't soon forget. He and two friends were leaving the Complex Nightclub when it happened.

Piwowarczyk says, "They came up out of the car and they start calling us f*^%#."

He says there were four of them, men who had just left another bar that shares the parking lot.

He says, "We kept telling them please leave us alone, we're fine. From there, the one kid didn't like what we told them and decided to punch me in the eye and I fell to the ground. And at that time my friend was laying on the ground and they started kicking him in the face."

First security responded, then police. But by the time they arrived, the suspects were gone. Police say they are searching for the men and call this an on-going investigation.

According to the victims, the suspects drove off in a black SUV with Illinois plates.

Gay rights advocates say existing state and new federal laws on hate crimes could mean harsh penalties. Darin Slyman, publisher of the alternative magazine Vital Voice says, "These people could be facing local, state and federal charges."

He calls this shocking, but says it's an opportunity for a community dialogue.

Slyman says, "I think it's something we can all learn from and hopefully heal and move forward."

Piwowarczyk agrees. And he says that healing process has already begun.

He says, "Healthwise we're all fine. We're just lucky to be alive. Could have turned out worse."

The other victims suffered a broken nose and fractured cheekbone, respectively. If you have any information in this case contact CrimeStoppers at 866-371-TIPS.