The couple were reportedly attacked because of their sexual orientation. Credit: Metro Archive
Police have arrested a man in connection with an attack on a gay couple as they were leaving a movie theater in Chelsea last month.
Alfonso Lanier, 23, faces hate crime charges for aggravated harassment and assault, police said.
The two victims were walking in the vicinity of West 25th Street and Ninth Avenue shortly after midnight on Aug. 14 when they were approached by two suspects who hurled anti-gay slurs at them, police said last month.
“What are you looking at, you f—g f—ts?” one of them allegedly shouted.
The suspects then proceeded to punch and kick the victims, with an additional three or four men joining in on the attack.
Both victims were taken to the hospital. One of the men had a gash on his chin that required seven stitches.
Police are still searching for the second suspect.
