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Two arrested, third sought in ambush, attack on gay man in California

Two arrested, third sought in ambush, attack on gay man in California
Ethan Walker is wanted in connection with the Oct. 28 attack on a gay man in Victorville, Calif.
Ethan Walker is wanted in connection with the Oct. 28 attack on a gay man in Victorville, Calif.

VICTORVILLE, Calif. — Authorities in Southern California have arrested two suspects and are searching for a third they say led an attack on a man who was struck with rocks, bottles and a wooden board because he’s gay.

The Los Angeles Times reports that the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s have arrested a 17-year-old boy and 22-year-old Robert Fraire, and are still looking for 23-year-old Ethan Walker, the man they say planned the attack.

The 17-year-old was not identified because he is a minor.

The Oct. 28 attack occurred in a remote drainage wash Victorville, authorities said.

Before the attack Walker and the victim were friends, officials said. But, apparently after learning the man was gay, Walker arranged to meet him near the drainage wash to walk him to work, where Walker, Fraire and the 17-year old, attacked him with rocks, bottles and the board while yelling gay slurs, according to sheriff’s authorities.

Earlier this week, the victim — who has chosen to remain anonymous — spoke to KCBS-TV about the attack:

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