OAKMONT, Pa. — Neighbors in Oakmont are concerned after police say a man was attacked over the weekend.
Oakmont is known for its quiet streets and friendly neighbors, which is why this attack is getting so much attention here, and people want answers.
The victim, Antonio Paris, was walking home when three to four men started calling him homophobic names and racial slurs after celebrating a wedding. He then was attacked by the men in an alley behind the old Shell Gas Station and Chelsea’s Grille in Oakmont.
“While LGBTQ+ individuals are four times more likely to become victims of a violent crime, I never thought that it would be me. As I continue to process what has happened to me, my only hope is to spread awareness that these crimes are being committed more and more every day,” Paris posted to social media. “The support my family and friends have shown me, is nothing short of amazing, but I know not everyone has this.
Lisa Eck told us she’s lived in the area for eight years and, like everyone we talked to tonight, she said it’s a tight-knit community.
“I run, I jog all the time by self and feel safe.” she said. “It’s so quiet, and it’s so nice. There are so many people who come to us daily, and there’s nothing wrong.”
Oakmont Police are investigating after a man flagged down an officer Saturday at 3 a.m. near Cedar Way in the business district. The victim told police he was attacked, and the people who did it called him racial slurs before and after the attack.
“That honestly hurts my heart that racism is still a thing and that people feel the need to attack, especially here right in front of us. It’s not fair,” Eck said.
Malayah Wilson works at a business near where the attack happened. She told us their surveillance cameras didn’t record anything during that time.
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Other neighbors said police were out tonight asking for ring doorbell videos and interviewing homeowners.
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