MUSKEGON HEIGHTS, Mich. (WOOD) — Police say a 17-year-old boy who was beaten up and stripped of his clothes during a robbery was targeted because he is gay.
Muskegon Heights officers were called to the scene around 8 p.m. Saturday after getting calls of a naked male in the area of Edgewood School at East Summit Avenue and Howden Street. Police say the 17-year-old victim was on his way to his aunt’s house when he was attacked. The suspect took his clothes, according to police.
An ambulance took the victim to the hospital where his condition is unclear.
Muskegon Heights Police Chief Joseph Thomas Jr. tells 24 Hour News 8 the attack on the teen was recorded and posted on Facebook. Police determined from audio of that recording that the victim was beaten because he is gay.
Police were able to identify the suspect, 18-year-old Trevon Lee Godbolt, through the attack video, Thomas said. Silent Observer is offering a reward of up to $500 for information leading to the arrest of Godbolt, who is also known as Trevon Taylor. He’s facing charges of unarmed robbery and unlawful imprisonment in the incident.