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