Seattle police report finds most bias crimes committed against gays, lesbians

SEATTLE -- New crime statistics show Seattle’s gay and lesbian community accounted for more than one-third of bias crimes reported to police.

Seattle police released the latest numbers to the City Council Monday morning.  So far this year, police investigated 60 incidents, with 35% involving the LGBT community.

"At times it can be very confusing as to whether an incident rises to that threshold of being a biased crime," said Assistant Police Chief Nick Metz.

Police investigate each report to determine if the victims were targeted because of their sexual orientation, race, or religion. A majority of the incidents occurred in the Capitol Hill neighborhood and downtown.

In the report, police highlight several high-profile cases including a double-homicide and an arson at popular gay nightclub.

Overall, the number of bias incidents is consistent with previous years.

The Seattle Police Department issued its first 2014 bias incidents report Monday. Officers found that most of the bias crimes were committed against members of the gay/lesbian community.

To read a copy of the report, click here.