Suffolk University student attacked in Boston by 5 men, police say
Boston Police say they have identified the men who allegedly attacked a Suffolk University student late Saturday night.
According to the police report, the student was walking near campus on Tremont Street just after 11 p.m. when the group of five drunken men crossed his path and one of them forcibly bumped into him.
"One of them stuck their shoulder out and totally hit me, very hard. It was purposeful," the student, Aidan Knaster, told WBZ-TV. "They were kind of bumping up against me, pushing me. And then, you know, God forbid I try to defend myself. I pushed back."
When Knaster shoved back, the group surrounded him, pushed him, hit him over the head with a beer bottle and put him in a headlock before running away.
"I felt somebody's arms around my throat, choking me. All I saw was red. There was just blood all in my eyes. There was blood everywhere," he said.
Police said Knaster was "visibly bleeding from the left side of his head." The injuries landed him in the hospital with stitches and a concussion.
"I'm grateful to be alive, but it could have been a lot worse. If it was me making the decisions, I would say it should be something like attempted murder because it very well could have killed me," Knaster explained.
Police release surveillance image
Boston Police said all five men were white, around 20 years old, and clean-shaven. They released a photo Monday from surveillance video in the area that night. Officers also recovered a black hat with a yellow P on it, which they believe was worn by one of the suspects.
On Tuesday, BPD said it has "identified all parties believed to be connected" to the incident. No names were released, and police said it remains an open investigation.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Boston Police Department at 617-343-4571.
Suffolk to increase patrols
In a statement Monday, Suffolk University said that Knaster is "recovering from his injuries."
"The University is deeply concerned and saddened that one of our students was the victim of a random and senseless attack Saturday night while walking along Tremont Street. We have been in contact with the student and his family since the incident," the university said.
The school said it's working with Boston Police and that campus police will increase patrols in the area after the incident.
"The safety of our students and our broader community is our highest priority," the university said.
Downtown Crossing business owner Hany Jad says this assault highlights the ongoing crime problem in the area.
