6 Teens Charged In Random Center City Attacks: Police

PHILADELPHIA — A group of teenagers sought in four random attacks on people in Center City Philadelphia have surrendered to police and are facing serious charges, authorities said Monday.

The attacks occurred the afternoon of Tuesday, Nov. 19.

Police said the first incident was at 3:15 p.m. at 15th and Chestnut streets.

Seven teens, boys and girls ranging from 13 to 15 years old, struck a homeless man in the face and walked off, according to police. Police have not been able to locate the victim.

Five minutes later, at about 3:20 p.m., the group came up behind a 24-year-old woman and struck her, police said. She was knocked to the ground and then attacked more by the group, according to police.

That woman suffered a concussion as a result of the attack.

Then at about 3:40 p.m., the group punched a 31-year-old man and chased him at North 19th Street in the area of Logan Circle, police said.

And the final incident occurred at about 4:10 p.m. at 20th and Callowhill streets outside the Target store. Police said the group punched a 40-year-old woman.

The 31-year-old man and 40-year-old woman suffered bruising and scrape, police said.

Police released video of some of the incidents, which led the parents of who police said appeared to be the leader of the group to bring their daughter in to authorities on Thursday.

On Friday, the parents of five others in the group turned their children in as well. The seventh person in the group did not participate in any of the alleged attacks, but authorities said they would still like to speak with her as she was witness to the incidents, police said.

The six are charged with aggravated assault, simple assault, and reckless endangering another person, police said.

All seven go to the same school, Anthony Wayne Academy, police said.

It's unclear what prompted the attacks.

The school and parents are cooperating with authorities during the investigation.

Police said anyone who may have also been victimized by the group should contact the Central Detective Division at 215-686-3093 or contact the police tip line at 215-686-8477.