DPD investigating Oak Lawn attack as hate crime

Dallas police are investigating another robbery in Oak Lawn similar to recent attacks against the LGBT community.

Police say the latest attack is being looked at as a hate crime.     

Dallas police say this latest report brings the number of cases in and around the Oak Lawn neighborhood of Dallas to 15 since September.

In spite of new surveillance cameras in the area and increased police patrols, there was another robbery and beating.

Police say a 54-year-old man was walking from the Round Up Saloon to a parking lot when he was attacked around 10:30 p.m. Saturday.

Two men robbed and beat him, and at least one of them used gay slurs during the crime.

Police said the victim did not call for help right away, but did eventually report the incident to police on Monday afternoon.

“Whether it be a robbery a domestic violence, sexual assault, there are a number of reasons someone wouldn't come forward,” said Assistant Chief Randall Blakenbaker with the Dallas Police Department. “I wouldn't speculate on a reason at this time.”

Police say the suspects they are looking for are two white men who are about six feet tall. They were seen wearing jeans and black beanie caps.

There was another case from Sept. 12 with suspects that match that description. Police are looking at a possible connection.

With 15 cases in all, police have not classified all of them as bias or hate crimes.

Only one other report is investigated as a hate crime -- that was from September, when a man was attacked after the Oak Lawn pride parade.

The other cases are considered aggravated assaults or robberies.