BY DIANA MOSKOVITZ, dmoskovitz@miamiherald.com
The Floridian is offering $5,000 to the tipster who leads to the arrest of the person who attacked a gay man outside the restaurant.
The reward was announced on Wednesday, three days after Melbourne Brunner, 37, of Fort Lauderdale, was beaten up outside the popular restaurant at 1410 E. Las Olas Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale.
Police are investigating the incident as a possible hate crime.
Norm Kent, lawyer for the restaurant, said the reward was meant to send a message.
''The Floridian isn't going to tolerate violence against any of its patrons,'' Kent said, ``particularly violence targeted because of a person's sexuality.''
On Sunday, Brunner, his partner Mitchell Mart and a friend were sitting down to breakfast at 3 a.m. at an outdoor table when a man got out of his pickup truck and yelled slurs at all three.
When the men left, the attacker followed, punching Brunner several times, Fort Lauderdale police said.
Brunner fell to the ground, striking his head. He had severe bruising but no broken bones.
Police described the attacker as about 35, 5-feet-10 and 165 pounds. He was seen driving a green Toyota Tacoma pickup with a truck bed cover and a roll bar.
Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Robyn Christophers 954-828-6558 or Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-8477.
How sad for closed minded to act this way. Pray for their repentance. This is why hate crimes against gays and lesbians need to be enforced by a stronger police presence and tougher laws.
God Bless,
Rev. Ray
Posted by: Rev. Fr. Raymond Berry | February 29, 2008 at 12:48 PM
How sad for closed minded to act this way. Pray for their repentance. This is why hate crimes against gays and lesbians need to be enforced by a stronger police presence and tougher laws.
God Bless,
Rev. Ray
Posted by: Rev. Fr. Raymond Berry | February 29, 2008 at 12:49 PM
How sad for closed minded to act this way. Pray for their repentance. This is why hate crimes against gays and lesbians need to be enforced by a stronger police presence and tougher laws.
God Bless,
Rev. Ray
Posted by: Rev. Fr. Raymond Berry | February 29, 2008 at 12:51 PM