Woman Says She Was Brutally Attacked For Fun
Attackers didn't want woman's possessions
By ANNE REYNOLDS
Updated 7:35 AM EDT, Wed, Nov 12, 2008
WASHINGTON -- A woman was attacked and brutally beaten near her home by a group of teenagers. Tuesday she spoke to News 4 and said she believes the teens attacked her for fun.
Last Wednesday afternoon, the government lawyer was walking home along 6th Street near Waterside Mall in Southwest Washington when she felt a man grab her around the throat.
She says one teenager held her arms behind her back, while another hit her in the face.
Although the victim was wearing diamond and gold jewelry, and had a wallet and cash, all the attackers took from her was the BlackBerry she was trying to use to call for help.
"It was clear they had no intention of robbing me," she said. "They clearly were waiting for someone to be there so they could do it."
This isn't the first violent attack by youths in the Waterside Mall area. In early October, a 56-year-old man was badly beaten in a similar incident. He died.
Three juveniles between 13 and 15 years old have been arrested in connection with his death.
Last week, a uniformed police officer approached a group of teens standing outside a CVS near the mall in the middle of the day and asked why they weren't in school.
Police said the teens jumped the officer, stole his police radio and tried to steal his gun.
DC Police want to send a strong message to any teens who may see these attacks as sport. They say it will lead to jail time.
"You might think it's fun and games, and you think it's OK to punch someone, but even if you punch someone, it can lead to a death," Assistant Police Chief Diane Groomes warned.
Ward 6 Councilman Tommy Wells also addressed the recent violence. He has established a Youth Violence Task Force to investigate who the teens are, and get them off the streets.
If you have any information about a violent attack, call DC Police at 202-727-9099.
First Published: Nov 11, 2008 10:52 PM EDT
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