Third Arrest in El Paso Gay Nightclub Beating

Police have arrested a third person in connection with an attack classified as a gang assault, but not a hate crime, outside a gay nightclub in El Paso, Texas earlier this month.

According to the KVIA-TV, "Ivan Gallardo, 17, of the 900 block of S. Tays, has been charged with Aggravated Assault and booked into the El Paso County Jail on a bond of $50,000.00.

"Roman Olvera, 19, of the 2200 block of Bassett, has been charged with aggravated assault and booked into the El Paso County Jail on a bond of $50,000. Police had previously detained a 16-year-old boy in the assault of 22-year-old Lionel Martinez outside of the Old Plantation (OP) nightclub. The unnamed juvenile was referred to the Juvenile Probation Department for the offense of aggravated assault."

Martinez, who is not gay or involved with gangs, according to a sister, remains in critical condition. A group of six males punched and kicked him while yelling antigay slurs as he waited for a ride outside the Old Plantation nightclub on May 7.

KVIA-TV reports that more arrests are anticipated. The FBI is investigating the crime as a civil rights violation.