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Man Attacked In Hollywood After Being Asked If He Was Gay

HOLLYWOOD (CBS) — Los Angeles police Sunday were investigating an attack in Hollywood as a possible hate crime.

The incident took place near North Cahuenga Boulevard and Yucca Street.

Los Angeles police Officer Gregory Baek of Media Relations says the victim -- identified as a 39-year-old Hispanic male -- was reportedly approached by three suspects who asked him if he was gay about 1:30 Sunday morning.

After answering in the affirmative, the man was subsequently attacked and, according to Baek, lost consciousness momentarily.

Police said the men only stopped beating the victim when a passerby intervened.

The victim reportedly took a cab to the hospital upon regaining consciousness, Baek said.

The man was released from the hospital Sunday morning. He is expected to make a full recovery.

Resident Daniela Castro told us she was shocked that something like this happened in her neighborhood. "I hate that people have to think that way. People need to be more open-minded."

She walks through the intersection where the attack took place often, going to and from acting class. "I really hope they get caught. If they keep doing that to people, it's just not right."

Police say they only have a vague description of the attackers.

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