We recall an uptick in stories of around this time two year ago about gangs of teens robbing and/or terrorizing people in Prospect Park. We’re hoping it’s an isolated incident, but someone posted a very unsettling account in the Park Slope Forum on Brooklynian about an attack in the park yesterday by a large group of teens that involved a beating, but no robbery:

short version: guy was beaten but not robbed by large group of teens in the park during the day on the road.

long version: Around 3:30 this afternoon while walking my dog on the footpaths over near the zoo in the park, I heard tons of laughter and yelling up on the paved road that goes through the park. As we got to the road I saw about 20 teens making the noise. There was one guy on the ground being kicked and punched. A lot. As I walked up they were “finishing” and running off, still tons of laughter. No apparent mugging or attempt thereof (and the guy had a bag and phone, at least).

Some folks (as there were plenty out jogging, biking, etc) at him stopped and we were trying to see how he was. Cut across his nose and cheek, one noticeable huge knot on his head, and he seemed to likely be going into shock. He had his phone and called 911. He was having trouble talking to them (not sure if it was a language barrier or the shock) so I took the phone and told them where we were. Cops came and, rather roughly, carted him off, and got what little info they could from us. Luckily some folks have a better memory than me and noticed that the kids seemed to be in school uniforms.

Needless to say, I then went in the opposite direction I saw them run. I did see a lot more cop cars (marked and unmarked) and motorcycle officers patrolling. Just thought folks should get another reminder to keep a look out. It was daylight in the park with plenty of people around, but the group of kids was so large they didn’t care who was around.

Hopefully, it’s just an isolated incident, but the viciousness of it makes it scary.