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Group of teens accused of beating man, stealing bike

Posted at 7:01 PM, May 04, 2012
and last updated 2012-05-04 19:02:12-04

RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) - A group of teenagers is accused of beating a man and stealing his bike on a busy Richmond street.

This reported assault happened in the 1600 block of Hull Street Road in South Richmond around 9:30 p.m. on Thursday.

Officers found a 45-year-old man who was assaulted on his bike and then robbed by a group of teens.

Officials said around eight to ten teens carried out the crime, but police are offering few details.

Between the for rent signs, boarded-up store fronts and empty alleyways, finding an eyewitness proved difficult for police.

Neighbors said the stretch of Hull Street Road where the attack took place is a hub of nocturnal crime.

Milliage Evans, who rides his bike down Hull Street Road during the day, said he would not dream of doing so at night.

"I wouldn't even suggest Obama coming down here at that time of night," he told CBS 6 News' Sam Brock Friday.

In light of the assault, folks who live in this neighborhood, like Tariq Kirby and Otis Thomas, wonder why more is not done to educate area youth.

"Richmond has nothing for the kids to do," said Thomas. "Richmond needs to do a little more than what they're doing, if kids had more activities and more things to do right now, there wouldn't be a lot of trouble out here right now."

Kirby said he thinks the attack was prompted by a bunch of bored kids just looking for someone to beat up.

Officials have not said if Thursday's assault is part of a pattern or indicative of gang activity.

Sam Brock contacted Richmond police for an interview Friday, but was told the department would not comment because the case is "part of an ongoing investigation."