PORTLAND, Ore. -- Police have launched an investigation into a possible hate crime outside a gay bar in northwest Portland.

Portland police said they responded to a report of a fight at Casey's Nightclub and Lounge near Northwest 6th Avenue and Couch Street on Sunday morning. When they arrived, they found a woman had been attacked.

No arrests have been made, but the case has been sent to a detective with the Biased Crimes Unit, which is examining whether the alleged victim was targeted because she was gay.

Customers of the bar said they have experienced homophobic slurs from people in nearby apartments. They said some have tossed water balloons and spit at them.

"It saddens me when I hear about something like that because Portland is a beautiful city," said John Vanleeuwen. "There are great people here and things like that just shouldn't happen."

"I think it's shocking to hear about it any time it happens," said Steve Schabow. "It's unfortunate."

Vanleeuwen said knowledge can help vanquish the violence.

"If something like this is happening, obviously, there's not adequate education (and) adequate information for people," said John Vanleeuwen. "And there needs to be."

Portland police said they're still investigating the case.

Possible Hate Crime Under Investigation