(November 3, 2006) -- LBReport.com has received information from LBPD about an attack -- which LBPD is treating as a hate crime -- in which three young women walking on Halloween night in the 3800 block of Linden Ave. were severely beaten (to the point where they were taken to a hospital) after they tried to walk past a group of teenagers (juveniles) of both genders.

LBPD Public Information Officer Jacqueline Bezart says all three victims (two 19, one 21) are White, the alleged assailants (nine females, one male, ages 12-17, now in custody) are Black...and LBPD is treating what took place as a hate crime.

Officer Bezart says racial taunts were allegedly hurled at the victims (in the nature of "white bitches" or the like) and from what LBPD has learned thus far, the attack was unprovoked as the victims walked to a Halloween night "haunted house" at about 9:15 p.m.

Officer Bezart says the attack ended after a Good Samaritan male said he would call police, after which the attackers dispersed. PIO Bezart says there were several witnesses and the arrests followed.

Further as it develops.