On a frigid Monday evening, Feb. 16, a 17-year-old male had the misfortune to experience a flat tire in the 9000 block of Gap Newport Pike, but that turned out to be the least of his problems, said New Garden Township Police.
When officers responded at 8:19 p.m., they found the teen barely conscious; he had injuries to his face and knuckles and his clothing was ripped. The victim advised police that he stopped to change the flat and was approached by a man about 30 years old, approximately 6-foot-2, with a large build, medium length hair, and a short beard. The victim said he didn’t know how the man arrived at that location.
The teen told police that he complied with a demand to produce his wallet and was then assaulted but didn’t remember much else. Before the attack, he said he had called a friend to come and help him with the tire, and it was the friend, arriving within eight minutes, who called 9-1-1.
The caller told police that he found his friend lying injured on the ground, approximately 60 feet away from his vehicle. The victim’s wallet was found nearby, but cash and credit cards were missing. Police said they canvassed the area for the suspect, who had been wearing a dark jacket and gloves, with negative results.
On Thursday, Feb. 19, the teen met with a Chester County Detective who prepared a composite sketch. Police are asking for the public’s help to identify the teen’s alleged assailant. The teen said that he fought back and that he may have inflicted facial lacerations, which would explain the injuries to his hands.
Anyone who might have witnessed the incident or who has information is requested to call the non-emergency number at 610-268-3171; the police department at 610-268-2907, ext. 100; or the anonymous tip line at ext. 222.
