The NYPD is searching for the group of teens who viciously attacked and robbed a 15-year-old Brooklyn girl in broad daylight.
Authorities say the incident occurred around 4 p.m. Thursday on the corner of Utica Avenue and Sterling Place in Crown Heights. Surveillance video shows the young girl falling to the ground as more than a dozen individuals—most of whom appeared to be male—began kicking and stomping her while she curled up on the sidewalk. As the mob dissipated, one of the attackers is seen stealing the girl's sneakers off her feet.
The NYPD Brooklyn North shared the disturbing footage via Twitter on Friday. Authorities said the victim, who was left unconscious on the sidewalk, is now recovering at the hospital.
Community activist Tony Herbert told the New York Daily News that the young girl is "traumatized," and denied reports that it was a retaliatory attack.
"(Her) mom is just devastated right now. This is Women’s History Month. We’re supposed to be celebrating women, not attacking and beating them," said Herbert, whose wife is the victim's cousin. "This whole thing is random. She doesn’t engage in negativity, she goes home and goes to the house and does her work."
In addition to the sneakers, the teens allegedly stole the young girl's phone and debit card.
Authorities are asking anyone with information about the incident to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS.
