Police investigating attack on Oregon gay man as possible hate crime

OREGON CITY, Ore. — Police are investigating a possible hate crime attack on a gay man and his friend at the Bagby Hot Springs located in the Mount Hood National Forest, east of Portland.

Mik Holland says he and an out-of-town visitor met two strangers while soaking at the popular hot springs in the early morning hours of Dec. 2.

Holland told PQ Monthly that he and his friend engaged the men in conversation, but after the discussion turned to sexual orientation, the strangers – both described as having Eastern European accents — attacked Holland and his friend.

Holland says he beaten on the head with a heavy-duty industrial flashlight before the two strangers fled.

Never Miss a Beat

Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights.

Sign Up

Daily

Weekly

Good News

Promotions (occasional)

Article continues below

According to the Sheriff’s reports, Holland and his friend made their way down the trail from the hot springs where, after calling 911, the men were picked up by an ambulance and taken to a local hospital, where they were treated for their injuries and released.

Lt. Robert Wurpes, a spokesman for the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, said deputies have recovered the flashlight and were processing it for fingerprints and DNA. “It’s a long shot, but we’re trying,” he said.

Wurpes said the assault is being investigated as a possible hate crime.