Richmond police investigate 'knockout' street crimes

Original Story

There is a group of [black] teenagers going around Richmond and knocking out [White] people on the streets, Richmond Police Det. W. Cutshall said. The teens then steal whatever they want from the victim.

“It’s two to three, sometimes four male juveniles knocking pedestrians or bicyclists to the ground,” Det. Cutshall said. “When they knock them to the ground, they begin punching them and kicking them and taking whatever they have in their possession.”

The crimes, two reported in October and two reported last week, are focused in the Randolph neighborhood around S. Allen Ave. , Idlewood Ave. and Kemper St.

The teens steal iPods, cell phones and bicycles, Cutshall said. He said the crime did not appear to be gang related. At least one of the victims was a VCU student.

The victims’ injuries in the attacks have grown more serious recently, he added. In some instances victims have been knocked unconscious or lost teeth in the attack.

“The suspects are pretty much the same description, they are described usually as black males between the ages of 14 and 16. They are 5′ 8″, thin and usually have short hair,” he said. “Every one of the victims so far has been a white male, approximately 18 – 21 years of age.”

He said the teens have not said anything to the victims during the attacks.

“They’re just knocking them to the ground and taking whatever and taking off with it,” Cutshall said.

When asked if the Richmond crimes were considered the “Knockout Game,” a crime trend reported in cities like New York and Philadelphia, Det. Cutshall noted the similarities and differences.

“I understand the knockout game is more of an assault. They don’t even seem to take anything,” he said. “This is similar, but yet different. This is an assault with something being taken. That seems to be the difference.”

Cutshall said the crimes happen between 8 p.m. – 10 p.m. He said the victims are alone at the time.

“We’re hoping the public can help us [stop] these particular robberies,” he said. “We would like VCU students and the public in that area to be vigilant and more aware of their surroundings.”

Anyone with information is asked to call 804-780-1000.