Two assaulted in armed robbery
Published Oct. 27, 2008
Police are seeking five boys in an attempted strong-arm robbery reported Thursday in the 1900 block of Blueridge Road.
At about 3:25 p.m., the two victims, both 15, were walking on the sidewalk of Blueridge when five men approached them, a Columbia Police Department news release stated.
The suspects, all about 12 to 13 years old, surrounded the two victims. One of the suspects reached into the first victim's pocket and stole his wallet. The first victim attempted to take his wallet back from one of the suspects, but two other suspects assaulted him. The two suspects hit him and fractured his nose.
The same man who stole the wallet of the first victim also attempted to steal the wallet of the second victim, but he was able to fend off the suspect, the release stated. Another suspect struck him in the head with a closed fist.
Sgt. Eric White said that at this point in the investigation it couldn't be determined whether the robbery was gang-related.
The second victim received minor abrasions to the head and did not require medical attention. The first victim received minor medical treatment for his fractured nose. White said neither victim required medical attention at a hospital.
White is a detective for this juvenile case. The Youth Services Unit investigates juvenile crimes in the community.
The names of the victims have not been released.
Officers have been unable to locate the suspects at this time.
Anyone with information on the case can submit tips to CrimeStoppers at 875tips.com.