One Arrest Made in Attack Against Actor and Artistic Director Derek Whitener

Dallas's WFAA News reports that an arrest has been made regarding the recent attack of Derek Whitener. Whitener, a popular theatre artist in DFW and the Artistic Director of Farmers Branch's The Firehouse Theatre, was attacked on Saturday night, January 14, by two assailants in the parking lot of a Dallas Target.

Whitener had noticed two suspicious men outside of the Target and informed an employee. Following a complaint from a second individual, a security guard and off-duty police officer asked the men to leave. The men returned later, following Whitener to his car and beating him. The attack has resulted in brain surgery and an extended hospital stay at Dallas's Baylor Medical Center.

Dallas police identified one of the assailants and have him in custody. The second man has not yet been found.

According to WFAA, Whitener's lawyers have said that after emergency brain surgery, Whitener is unable to speak and struggles with other motor functions.

A recent benefit concert was held by the community to collect donations for Whitener's hospital bills. Those wishing to help may donate to a GoFundMe campaign set up by Whitener's family: https://www.gofundme.com/dereks-medical-bills

Read Jordan Armstrong's WFAA article here.

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Best Musical - Top 3

1. BIG FISH (Texas Music Theatre Company)

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3. RENT (Grand Prairie Arts Council)

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