A Logan Square man said that a group of teenagers attacked him because he is gay.
Levi Frerichs was returning home from a birthday party in the 2600 block of North Spaulding Avenue at about 2:30 a.m. on July 29 when he was assaulted by the group of six teensall between the ages of 16-19who were also shouting homophobic slurs, according to DNA Info.
"They didn't ask for anything. They didn't want my wallet. They didn't want my cellphone," Frerichs said. "They were just taunting me for no reason."
He said that he pushed one of the teens after she threatened to steal his dog, with which Frerichs had been walking. They then intensified their attack.
Eventually, Frerichs got away and the group gave chase. He turned onto Milwaukee Avenue and ran into some acquaintances; the assailants eventually turned around. Part of the chase was captured on video. A woman who was attacked on the 606 trail Aug. 9 recognized one of Frerich's assailants as her own attacker after seeing the video.
Frerichs reported the incident to police, but told DNA Info that the police had done not yet done any follow up with him. He suffered a black eye and his glasses were broken.
"Despite my shiner, I continue to smile and stay positive," Frerichs said. "That's who I am and no act of hatred or violence will change that truth about me."
DNA Info's story is at dnain.fo/2bjGjT3 .