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Victim describes being attacked by group of roving assailants on East Main Street

By Howard B. Owens

A Batavia resident says he and a friend were attacked over the weekend in the area of Swan Street and East Main Street by an unknown group of assailants, and police have confirmed there is an ongoing criminal investigation as a result of a complaint received early Sunday morning.

The local resident who shared his story in an e-mail to The Batavian said his friend required "emergency jaw surgery" after the attack, which he said occurred around 3 a.m., Sunday.

Det. Todd Crossett said at this time, investigators have little more to go on than a general description of the suspects.

The description provided to The Batavian is that of several young black men in the age range of 17 to early 20s.

The victim who contacted The Batavian said he was at a costume party when he volunteered to make a run to 7-Eleven for more snacks. 

"Upon walking back from 7-Eleven, I was approached by a young African-American male asking for a cigarette," he said. "When I shuffled the pizzas I was carrying to reach into my pocket to oblige him, he physically attacked me."

Several other individuals then joined in the attack.

"They struck me multiple times in my head and face, shot me in my face with an airsoft pistol, and kicked me while I was on the ground in the middle of the road," he said. "They demanded that I empty my pockets, which were already empty because I was wearing a Halloween costume and I had spent the money I brought on the cheap 7-Eleven pizzas that were littered in the middle of Main Street."

Unable to get money from the victim, the group ran off, he said.

He returned to the party and told his friend what happened.

The friend "ran off to look for them and report them to the police," he said.

He found them, along with two more individuals, who attacked him "in a more violent manner before two friends could join him."

That second victim was taken to UMMC, where he underwent jaw surgery, the first victim said in his e-mail.

He said he e-mailed The Batavian about the incident because, "It would be great if the attackers could be brought to justice, but at the very least citizens of Batavia could better avoid becoming victims of a similar attack if they are on the lookout."

Anybody with information that may assist in the investigation can contact Batavia PD at (585) 345-6350 or through the confidential tip line at (585) 345-6370.

Raymond Richardson

"He returned to the party and told his friend what happened.
The friend "ran off to look for them and report them to the police," he said.
He found them, along with two more individuals, who attacked him "in a more violent manner before two friends could join him."

Look for them and report them to police? Seriously, and he wonders why his jaw is now wired shut.

Sorry he was hurt, but hopefully this will serve as a lesson to him, and others, to let the police handle the searching and arresting.

Anyone foolish enough to, "run off and look for them", and gets their ass kicked, should not be surprised at all.

Honestly!

Oct 28, 2015, 3:16pm Permalink
Kyle Couchman

Why dont you go get it for me David... You don't think I wouldn't do you? I've lived in Manhattan and in Syracuse's near north side as well as it's southside. LOL These punks around here don't scare me at all.

I'd bet you don't walk around this town at night though, do you David.

Oct 28, 2015, 6:55pm Permalink
david spaulding

kyle, you are very ungrateful. I was going to buy you a pizza. do I think you are scared? hell yeah I do. kyle I wanted to meet up with you one time when you were laughing at me. you wouldn't do it unless I met you at a city council meeting. so tough guy don't tell me how effin brave you are, I already know.. forget about the pizza you had your chance. LMFAO

Oct 28, 2015, 7:44pm Permalink
Tim Miller

Concealed carry? Let's imagine what would have happened...

Pizza-guy (PG) is on his way back from 7-11, and is attacked after being taken off his guard by one of the classic deceptions ("got a light?", "do you have the time?", "can you tell me how to get to xyz?"). PG, whose hands are already full due to carrying the pizzas, does not have the chance to reach into his pocket or inside his costume to grab his weapon. When PG is down and being beaten, he emptied his pockets to show his weapon. The attackers are not only violent, asocial jackasses, but now they are violent, ARMED, asocial jackasses.

Let's say PG was not conceal carrying, but party host (PH) is. PH takes off to find the attackers after his buddy was attacked. PH finds the attackers while still alone. He pulls his gun an points it at the attackers. The attackers turn and run. PH has two options - let them go (they could probably riun faster as they are not in costume), or try to stop them by shooting. If PH does not shoot, the attackers are in the same boat they are now - in the wind. Let's say he shoots, and either hits one or hits something else. Either way he's in deep legal trouble as shooting at people who are not presenting an immediate danger to you or others (and folks running away from you are not creating a dangerous situation for you) is frowned upon.

At least in the 2nd scenario PH is beaten, and that would be a good thing. Other than that, though, carrying in this case only leads to more trouble.

Oct 29, 2015, 8:36am Permalink
Ed Hartgrove

Well, Tim.
"Concealed carry? Let's imagine what would have happened...".

I agree. Oh, wait a minute. I think, just maybe, a better way of putting it might have been, "Let's imagine what COULD have happened".

Could your 'scenario' have happened? Sure it could've.

Hell, if you want to make up scenarios, how about this one?

A-Hole (AH) comes up and asks for a cigarette. PG, being the nice guy that he is, tries balancing his cheap pizzas, while reaching for the last two cigs in the pack he's carrying. (AH) sees his chance to become the 'big s#$t' in his pathetic little mind, and attacks PG. But, AH isn't really man enough to challange someone by himself. No, it's already been planned. AH has buddies (AH2 and AH3) help him.

Now, while PG is on the ground, being kicked and pummeled, fearing that he might just be killed by these cowardly attackers, he manages to pull out his lawfully-carried, concealed gun, and shoot AH and AH2. They're dead.

AH3, seeing his buddies' blood spurt out, runs away, vowing to never again act like AH. AH3 grows up to be a useful member of society.

Know what, Tim? I like that scenario, much better than yours. See, when it comes to 'scenarios', anything could happen.

Don't get me wrong. I don't advocate people go around shooting other people. But, if I have my choice of being attacked & beaten by AH's, or shooting them, I wouldn't lose a wink sleeping the next day.

'Nuff said?

Oct 29, 2015, 10:13am Permalink

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