Teens accused of battery
Updated: October 3, 2012
CHAMPAIGN -- Three teens face charges of battery, but police think they may be responsible for multiple attacks. Four incidents were reported in the areas of the 500-block of East Healey, 700-block of South Sixth, 300-block of East Springfield and 200-block of East John this weekend.
All involved a group of six people; three males and three females, and all took place after curfew between 1:30 am - 3:22 am. Victims reported being punched in the head by various members in the group. In one case a woman's cell phone was stolen.
The three suspects, two girls, ages 15 and 16, and one boy, age 16, were found after the theft of the cell phone, but police think they may be responsible for all four attacks. Authorities say the incidents are similar to an internet phenomenon known as "Point them out, knock them out." An offender identifies a victim who is then punched in the head before the suspect flees.
Police have been investigating five similarly random attacks on campus over the past few weeks. Officials say they're stepping up patrols in the area and will be stopping people who appear to be violating curfew.
All involved a group of six people; three males and three females, and all took place after curfew between 1:30 am - 3:22 am. Victims reported being punched in the head by various members in the group. In one case a woman's cell phone was stolen.
The three suspects, two girls, ages 15 and 16, and one boy, age 16, were found after the theft of the cell phone, but police think they may be responsible for all four attacks. Authorities say the incidents are similar to an internet phenomenon known as "Point them out, knock them out." An offender identifies a victim who is then punched in the head before the suspect flees.
Police have been investigating five similarly random attacks on campus over the past few weeks. Officials say they're stepping up patrols in the area and will be stopping people who appear to be violating curfew.
