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Hookah Bar Beating Suspect Turns Self In After Seeing Pic On CBS4

DENVER (CBS4)- The man wanted in connection with an assault at a hookah bar in Denver turned himself in to authorities after his picture was shown on CBS4 and social media outlets.

Tilo Sandoval has been arrested. The district attorney will determine if he will face a hate crime charge in addition to assault charges.

Police in Denver said pictures from Sandoval's Facebook page helped them identify and arrest the 20-year-old for a brutal attack on Monday outside Sam's Lounge near Alameda Avenue and Zuni.

"They had a problem with us being gay," said attack victim Jared Olson.

He has a fractured skull and nose.

Olson said he was leaving the bar with friends when a group of men began shouting at them, "He kept asking, 'What are you looking at... bleep...' He walked to my door, pulled it open and hit me in the face."

The arrest affidavit states Sandoval got into Olson's care from the rear passenger door and punched him.

His friend also punched from the front seat.

The hookah bar owner told police his employees know Sandoval. He came into the bar asking to clean his hands and appeared to have abrasions on them.

On Sandoval's Facebook page he posted on Wednesday, "It has been a hard few days for me but I would like to thank all my friends and family for all the support. At the end of the day the truth will come out, till then we all have to stay strong."

Olson said he just wants the suspect brought to justice so this does not happen again.

"Mainly I want the message to get out there that this isn't okay," said Olson.

Sandoval's criminal history includes arrests for assault, resisting arrest and public fighting. He is set to appear in court later this month.

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