Police: Suspected Gang Member, 12, Charged In Brutal Stamford Assault
STAMFORD, Conn. (CBSNewYork/AP) - A sixth grader from Stamford has been arrested in connection with a late-night beating and robbery of a 39-year-old man earlier this month.
According to police, the 12-year-old boy may be a member of a gang that's been beating up and robbing Hispanic immigrants.
A restaurant worker walking home after closing time was assaulted by a gang of young people in Stamford.
Police: Suspected Gang Member, 12, Charged In Brutal Stamford Assault
"And it's very troubling because it's a 12-year-old and it was a very savage, brutal beating that this group issued to this party," Police Captain Richard Conklin told WCBS 880 Connecticut Bureau Chief Fran Schneidau.
Police say the boy and four others beat and robbed the victim on June 1. Authorities say the victim suffered severe eye and facial injuries and broken ribs.
Conklin said the beating was so severe that police suspect the gang may have used clubs or brass knuckles in the attack.
The 12-year-old, whose name has not been released because of his age, was later identified by the victim is now in police custody.
"He was one of the prime participants in it, that's on thing the victim was able to point out," said Conklin.
The sixth grader is charged with second-degree robbery and second-degree assault and was being detained at a juvenile jail, police said.
Conklin said so many kids are now involved in street crimes that police in Stamford may have to bulk up staff in its youth division.
Officers said more arrests are expected in connection with the attacks.
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