Gay Hate Crime At UCLA: Sketch Of Suspect Released (VIDEO, PHOTO)

UCLA has released a sketch of a suspect wanted in connection with what is believed to be a gay hate crime against a university student.

The student was walking on Gayley Avenue, near Veteran Avenue, at about 1:30 a.m. on Jan. 18, when two men got out of a dark-colored sedan and approached him. One of the men threatened the student with a knife and made anti-gay slurs, KTLA reports in the video above. Then the suspects fled in their vehicle.

The student suffered scratches and bruises but declined treatment. He told police he didn't know either of the men, but he thought they might have been able to guess his sexual orientation based on how he looked and acted, the Los Angeles Times reports.

The suspect in the sketch is described as a Caucasian male, approximately 26-27 years old, 5’9" and 160-170 pounds with brown eyes, a shaved head and acne scars. Police believe he was wearing a grey hooded sweatshirt and blue jeans the night of the incident. The other suspect, for whom a sketch is not available, was described as being a Latino male, also approximately 26-27 years old, 6’4" and about 300 pounds, with long black slicked-back hair and baggy clothing.

UCLA police ask that anyone with information call Det. Selby Arsena at 310-825-9371. To report a tip anonymously, call 310-794-5824. Police also reminded students to avoid walking alone at night, be aware of their surroundings and use the community service officer escort service, available at 310-794-WALK or the Evening Van at 310-825-9800.

The incident follows a gay hate crime in June in Hancock Park, where a homeless man was beaten after saying he was gay and had AIDS. Just before that, in May, a man stabbed two men in their mid-20s in Echo Park in what police believe was also a gay hate crime.