Teen Suspects In Old City 'Mob Attack' Surrender To Police
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- There are new developments in Philadelphia's fight against mob attacks. Three juveniles involved in a recent attack have surrendered to police.
A 16-year-old boy along with two 15-year-olds, all students at the Mastery Charter School, will remain behind bars after police charged the three in the attack of a 36-year-old man in Old City. According to police, the victim was beaten so badly he is still receiving medical treatment.
Lt. Pat Doherty with the Philadelphia Police Department said, "He has a fractured jaw in two places and he lost a tooth."
It happened near 4th and Walnut streets on July 29th. The three suspects surrendered early Wednesday after police notified their parents.
"We called them yesterday and said we had arrest warrants and to the parents' credit they all agreed to turn them in today," Lt. Doherty explained.
This arrest comes just days after Mayor Michael Nutter condemned random, violent attacks -- announcing a plan to enforce a tighter weekend curfew in Center City and University City. (see related story)
Lt. Doherty said, "What could be the reason to do something like this? There is no reason to do something like this."
Whatever the motive, police have also increased their presence in the affected areas to prevent another innocent person from falling victim.
"My advice would be to young people if they see something stupid, to restrain themselves from joining in and think about the consequences," Lt. Doherty said.
The consequences in this latest case are serious. Police say the teenagers are fighting felony criminal charges including aggravated assault and related offenses. In addition, school officials told reporters, pending the outcome of their review, the students could be expelled.
Reported by Elizabeth Hur, CBS 3
