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Apparent Anti-Gay Attack In Prospect Park Continues Troubling Trend In NYC

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- There has been another apparent gay bashing incident. This one happened in Brooklyn and arrests were made at the scene.

So far this year, there have been some 30 gay bias attacks in the New York City, more than double for the same period last year.

The latest victim spoke to CBS 2's John Slattery on Friday.

Kevin Kiadii is a 25-year-old freelance makeup artist. He said it's a relief arrests were made, and that he wasn't more seriously hurt.

"I'm appalled. I'm in awe. I just really want my story told because I know there a lot of people in the city who deal with stuff like this," Kiadii said.

Kiadii's story happened Wednesday night in Prospect Park, where he and a male friend encountered a group of at least four teens who appeared to be intoxicated.

As a gesture of kindness, Kiadii said he offered one of them a bottle of soda.

"The shortest one out of them, he was a hot head, he jumped in my face and started saying anti-gay slurs," Kiadii said.

He said that one took on a fighting stance, and Kiadii told them they should back away.

"When I said that, the one that was really intoxicated jumped into my face and said 'I'm going to [expletive] you up' and do this and 'you F and [expletive],' and I went into my bag, and pulled out my bottle of perfume, to imitate pepper spray," Kiadii said.

He suffered bruises to his sides and cuts to a hand.

"One of the dudes tried to kick me in the face, but just missed and he got me in my shoulder," Kiadii said.

The victim said he was able to quickly dial 911 on his phone and hand it to a bystander, but police who were nearby were already responding, taking four into custody.

Those arrested ranged in age from 13 to 18, and each were charged with gang assault, and aggravated harassment as a hate crime.

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