Police are asking for the public's help in finding two men suspected of beating a gay Southwest Portland man and his friend man earlier this month at Bagby Hot Springs.

Lt. Robert Wurpes, Clackamas County Sheriff's Office spokesman, said the incident is being investigated as an assault and a possible hate crime.

Wurpes said the attack occurred after Mik Holland and an out-of-town friend met two strangers Dec. 2 while soaking at the popular hot springs. After the discussion turned to sexual orientation, the strangers – both described as having Eastern European accents -- attacked Holland and his friend.

Wurpes said Holland was beaten on the head with a heavy-duty industrial flashlight. The two strangers then took off.

Badly injured, Holland and his friend made their way down the trail from the hot springs, in the Mount Hood National Forest, 51 miles south of Estacada. After calling 911, the men were picked up by an ambulance and taken to OHSU Hospital, where they were treated for their injuries and released.

Wurpes said deputies have recovered the flashlight.

"We're processing it for fingerprints and DNA," Wurpes said. "It's a long shot, but we're trying."

Holland gave an account of the incident to the Proud Queer newspaper website. He has declined further interviews.



One of the assailants, who identified himself as "Alex," was described as about 5-foot-7, 180 pounds, with blue eyes and short blond hair. He was last seen wearing blue jeans, a green vest and a grey sweatshirt.

The other assailant, who identified himself by a name starting with J – possibly "James" – was described as being in his early 20s, about 6-feet-tall, 200 pounds, with a graying hair and a "gut."

Wurpes said deputies also were looking for a blue or charcoal-gray Dodge 2007-10 pickup with Washington license plates.

Wurpes urged anyone with information about the incident or possible suspects to call the sheriff's confidential tip line at 503-723-4949. Confidential text messages can be sent to CRIMES (274637 on a cell phone keypad), with the keyword "CCSO" as the first word in the message. Tips also can be left on the sheriff's online Tip Sheet.

-- Rick Bella