Pismo Beach police asking public for help identifying suspects in possible hate crime

PISMO BEACH, Calif. – Pismo Beach police are investigating an alleged hate crime.

On Thursday afternoon, the City of Pismo Beach released a statement announcing it was aware of a disturbing incident that happened on April 7.

In a Letter to the Editor in the San Luis Obispo Tribune that was put out on April 22 a report was made regarding an unprovoked attack on a young black man by four white men.

After seeing the report, the City along with Pismo Beach police began a full investigation into the report, city officials said.

Pismo Beach police detectives have begun collecting video evidence, contacting local businesses and looking for witnesses that may have seen the attack.

The City is also in contact with the Diversity Coalition San Luis Obispo County.

The police department said it is attempting to contact the victim and the family in order to take a report of the attack and to work on holding the assailants "accountable for their heinous attack."

"Racism, violence and hate are not welcome in Pismo Beach," the release said.

They also added that people that violate the community will be found and prosecuted.

Anyone that may have photos, videos or other information regarding this case is urged to contact the Pismo Beach Police Department at 805-773-2208.