Man critical after attack outside west-side gym

Salt Lake police are investigating a possible hate crime after a man was attacked after coming out of gym known for having a dominantly gay membership.

A 50-year-old man was leaving the 14th Street Gym, 1400 West 200 South, just after 12:30 a.m. Wednesday. Another man approached the victim, who was waiting for a cab, from behind, swore at him, used a slur related to sexual orientation, then hit him in the head with a bottle, said Salt Lake police detective Dennis McGowan.

The victim was bleeding profusely when the cab driver arrived. The cabbie called 911. The victim was taken to a hospital in critical condition, McGowan said.

Investigators were able to get some information from the victim, he said.

In April, the Utah Court of Appeals reversed a district court's order revoking the gym's license based on reported lewd acts committed by gym patrons. The court ruled there was no evidence that the gym or its employees knew of or condoned the acts being alleged.

— Pat Reavy