In a disturbing act of aggression, a suspected hate crime occurred early Saturday morning when five UCLA students were verbally and physically assaulted outside a Chick-fil-A on Westwood Boulevard. As reported by KTLA, the students were targeted by a group of three men in a dark-colored SUV, with the driver hurling an ethnic slur at the group, and the front passenger throwing an open water bottle that struck one of the victims.
Described as individuals in their 20s, one with blonde hair and the other with dark hair and a white shirt, the suspects were last seen in the SUV as they committed the act, unfortunately at present, no arrests have been made in connection to this hate-fueled incident despite the UCLA Police Department's urging for witnesses to come forward with any useful information. In a notice referred to as a Clery Timely Warning, campus police made the public aware of the attack, as NBC Los Angeles detailed the search for the group of men responsible for the attack.
The current state of affairs has the UCLA Police Department actively investigating the case, which took place around 1 a.m. The matter has been taken seriously by the authorities as the student community received reminders to stay vigilant and to report suspicious activity immediately following the incident.
"This incident is currently under investigation," stated the UCLA Police Department, signaling the gravity of what transpired, and although no severe injuries were reported, the impact of such targeted harassment resonates deeply. According to ABC7, the student who was hit by the water bottle did not sustain serious injuries, nonetheless, the search for the three suspects continues as law enforcement pieces together what occurred that night near the university campus.
The university community awaits further developments, and the UCLA Police Department can be reached at 310-825-1491 for those who might help provide information leading to the apprehension of the suspects. The investigation thus remains open, with both university officials and police emphasizing the importance of unity and safety in the face of such hateful actions.
