ELLISVILLE, Mo. (First Alert 4) - An 18-year-old is charged in a hate-motivated attack in St. Louis County, police say.

Charging documents state that around 2:20 a.m. on Oct. 21, the victim went to Bluebird Park in Ellisville to meet a man named Adam, whom he had been talking to on a dating site. When the victim met the man, he thought was Adam, the suspect, Abdulwareth A. Alahmad, told him,  I actually hate gay people,  according to the documents. Four men who were hiding in nearby bushes then approached the victim.

Details from charging documents

Detectives said the group punched the victim in the head and torso. When he fell to the ground, the group continued punching and kicking him.

According to the charging documents, the group used slurs during the attack and told the victim they wanted his stuff. The victim dropped his iPhone 16 and was able to get in his car while the taunts continued. The phone was later found smashed at the park.

The victim drove to the Ellisville Police Department. Detectives said Flock cameras captured Alahmad leaving the park.

Charges and police response

Police say Alahmad attacked the man because of his sexual orientation. He is charged with first-degree assault and property damage motivated by discrimination.

Alahmad's attorney claims the case is one of mistaken identity. Ellisville police said they are confident officers made the right arrest.

Police said they believe the attackers have done this before. They said charges should be coming soon for the accomplices, who are juveniles.

Park visitors react

Park visitor Dennis Orando said,  It's disgusting, and you thought these things were over years ago. 

Park visitor Austin Wright said,  I grew up here my entire life. It doesn't really fit the norms that I would expect. It's an extremely accepting community. 

Advocate and researcher comment

Robert Fischer, with the LGBTQ+ advocacy group PROMO, said hate crimes like this happen more often and are broader than most people realize.

 They aren't just isolated to gay men; they're not just isolated to the trans people. But they happen to every sing
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