Atlanta Transgender Assaults: Police Release New Details

ATLANTA, GA — Atlanta police on Monday released new details regarding two recent attacks on transgender people connected to last week's arrest of a 28-year-old man.

On Dec. 16, Michael Boykin was taken into custody after police received a tip that he was in the area of 160 Ponce De Leon Ave. NE. According to police, Boykin was wanted in a series of assaults targeting transgender individuals.

Police arrested Boykin on outstanding warrants for aggravated assault, criminal trespassing, battery and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

On Monday, Atlanta police released reports on two assaults involving Boykin.

The first assault took place on Oct. 18 shortly before 4 a.m. at a Shell gas station at 180 Ponde De Leon Ave. NE. According to police, officers responded to the location after receiving a call about a fight.

When officers arrived, police said they met with a 34-year-old woman who said she was talking to Boykin when he suddenly punched her in the head multiple times before fleeing. The victim suffered an injury to her left eye, police said.

According to the incident report, the responding officer noted that Boykin had been "physically assaulting members of the transgender community for a long period" leading up to the assault.

The second attack happened on Nov. 12 near the same gas station, according to authorities. Around 3:30 a.m., police said a 46-year-old woman was attacked by Boykin and a second suspect. The victim suffered injuries including a bruised and swollen eye, police said.

Several witnesses corroborated the second attack, according to authorities. A security officer familiar with Boykin also told police that Boykin had a history of physically assaulting members of the transgender community in the area.

Another suspect — 34-year-old Bruce Thomas — was arrested and charged with battery and criminal trespass for damaging a witness’s phone during the assault.

According to a report by 11Alive, Atlanta police have contacted the U.S. Department of Homeland Security due to Boykin’s reported history of alleged assaults on transgender individuals. 11Alive contacted Homeland Security to confirm whether they are investigating alongside Atlanta police. As of Tuesday, Homeland Security had not confirmed their involvement.