NOPD Seeking Suspects in Connection with French Quarter Hate Crime Attack

New Orleans police are on the lookout for two men wanted in connection with the beating of two people walking Sunday night, July 7, in the French Quarter. The alleged assault is being investigated as a possible hate crime.

The Times-Picayune reports, the two victims were walking in the 1400 block of Bourbon Street about 11:30 p.m. Sunday, when one of the victims was struck from behind. After being struck, the victim began fighting with the man who hit him and the attacker fled. The victim then noticed a second person kicking his friend in the head and yelling anti-gay epithets, as he ran to the aid of his friend, the second suspect fled.

According to police, one victim suffered minor lacerations and abrasions to his arms and legs. The second victim suffered nose and facial fractures.

In a statement released by the police on Nola.gov,
Perpetrator #1 was described as a black male in his 20's, approximately 5'08" tall with a medium build, short hair and a dark complexion. He was clad in a black t-shirt with green writing on it.
Perpetrator #2 was described as a black male, approximately 5'10" to 6' tall with a thin build, a dark complexion and wearing a black t-shirt with "ESSENCE" written in white on the front.

In connection with this case, the public is being asked for their help in locating Theron Boyd, who police say may have information about the two suspects, and is being considered a "person of interest."

Police ask anyone with information to contact 8th District Detective Michael Flores at 504.658.6070 or CrimeStoppers at 504.822.1111 or toll-free 1.877.903.STOP(7867). Tips can be texted to C-R-I-M-E-S (274637), Text TELLCS then any pertinent crime information. A cash reward of up to $2,500 is offered for information leading to the arrest and indictment of the person(s) responsible.. Citizens can also submit an anonymous tip online to CRIMESTOPPERS at www.crimestoppersgno.org.