The four men who attacked a gay couple at Miami Beach Pride surrendered themselves to police Tuesday, but victims of the attack say the arrest does not quell the nightmare they are living.
The Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office is investigating the matter as a possible hate crime.
Dmitry Logunov, tells INTO he does not know how to return to normal life after four unknown men attacked him and his boyfriend, Rene Chalarca, outside a restroom Sunday.
“We’ve literally been in panic full-time,” Logunov said. “No sleep, nothing. This is a nightmare. I never thought I would get in this situation. I want to get out of it as soon as possible.”
The couple was assaulted by four men during the 10th Anniversary Miami Beach Pride Celebration after they shared a hug.
One of the men shouted “maricones,” Spanish for “faggot” before beating Chalarca. The men chased the couple as they tried to flee.
A bystander, Helmut Muller, attempted to stop the men and was knocked to the ground. He was transported to the hospital with a head laceration.
Police had been asking for the public’s help in identifying the four assailants, caught on video surveillance footage outside the restroom.
On Tuesday, Miami Beach Police announced via Twitter that all four alleged attackers had surrendered themselves to police via an attorney.