Three men have been charged following what officers are calling a hate crime against a gay male.
The assault happened on Whyte Avenue on May 2, 2012. Police say a man and his friend were leaving a nearby restaurant when they were approached by three other men, who were saying anti-gay slurs to them. Officers say when the man's friend attempted to reason with the others, he was attacked.
"The friend of the gay male tried to step in front and intervene and was struck in the face," said Scott Pattison, Communications Advisor with Edmonton Police Service.
The man was treated by EMS on scene, and taken to hospital for further treatment.
Officers want people to know that these types of crimes will not be tolerated.
"I think this hopefully sends a message to the community, as well, that these crimes won't be tolerated," said Pattison adding, "We live in a tolerant city. These things don't happen often but, when they do people are going to be caught and charged."
Riley James Moore, 25, Alex Ray Coffin, 22 and Cameron Comeau, 20 have all been charged with one count each of assault causing bodily harm and criminal harassment.
© Global News. A division of Shaw Media Inc., 2012.