MUSKEGON, Mich. – A man was hospitalized early Sunday morning after four men allegedly attacked him outside a Muskegon bar.
Adam Lee Johnson was at DJ’s Pub & Grill on Henry Street Saturday night with a few friends singing karaoke.
“I go (to DJ’s) about two or three times a month,” said Johnson.
The 29-year-old said he loves to sing, his talents were showcased on FOX 17’s West Michigan Idol where he took home first place in 2006.
Johnson said he was just leaving the bar at closing time after a night of singing when he was jumped by four men in the parking lot.
He said he never saw it coming. “I have a mild concussion and also a contusion on the right side of my face.”
One of Johnson’s friends called 911 while his attackers ran away.
FOX 17 spoke with the owner of DJ’s Pub & Grill by phone who said they were aware of the attack but it happened as the bar was closing. The owner said a few employees were cleaning up inside the bar and noticed flashing lights of an ambulance in the parking lot but never saw anything else.
There are cameras outside the bar, but the owner said none of the cameras face the section of parking lot where the attack took place.
Johnson said last month a man was kicked out of DJ’s after he tried to attack him based on his sexual orientation.
He is convinced the attack on Sunday was also because he’s gay.
“They were calling me names, and yeah, as much as I don’t want to be that guy, I don’t want to cry hate crimes when it’s not serious, but it is,” Johnson said. “I was a victim and I’m still trying to process that and deal with that but I want to find them and bring them to justice I guess.”
Since the assault, Johnson has seen an outpouring of concern from the community.
“I’ve had a lot of support from friends and family, really overwhelming,” he said.
Kimi Zimmerman, a close friend of Johnson said she hopes that from this horrible attack, the community can rally together for some good.
“What those four guys don’t realize is Adam has a whole community of people standing behind him and we won’t tolerate it, we won’t stand for it,” said Zimmerman.
Johnson’s friends and family are in the process of putting together a fundraiser to help pay for the 29-year-old’s medical bills since he doesn’t have insurance.
Johnson said he will be filling out a police report as soon as he can, the owner of DJ’s said they will work with police to find whoever is responsible for the attack.
