SALISBURY, Md. – Salisbury police have arrested seven people in connection with an assault in mid-October.

The investigation began Oct. 31 when officers were contacted by members of the Salisbury University Police Department about an attack that allegedly occurred at an off-campus apartment complex for college-age students. Investigators met with witnesses and observed cell phone video of a man being attacked by several college-aged men.

It was determined that the incident occurred on October 15 when a group of men used a social media account and invited the victim to an apartment in the 1400 block of University Terrace under false pretenses. When the victim entered the apartment, numerous college-aged men allegedly surrounded the victim and forced him to sit isolated on a chair in the middle of the living room, kicking, punching and spitting on the victim while calling him derogatory names. The victim told police that he tried to leave the apartment several times but was thrown to the ground each time. After a few minutes, the victim was allowed to leave and then sought medical attention. It turned out that she had bruises all over her body and a broken rib.

According to police, the investigation revealed that the victim was targeted based on his sexual preferences. A total of seven men, who were also members and/or associates of a college fraternity, were identified as suspects allegedly involved in the attack.

The following people have been charged with first-degree assault, false imprisonment, reckless endangerment and related hate crimes:

• 20-year-old Ryder Baker
• 18-year-old Bennan Aird
• 20-year-old Riley Brister
• 19 year old Cruz Cespedes
• 20 year old Dylan Earp
• 19 year old Elijah Johnson
• 18-year-old Zachary Leinemann