Lawrence Teen Says He Was Beaten And Robbed

Update, May 14:

Lt. Charles Edgar, police department spokesman, said the 18-year-old victim was released from the hospital after being treated for injuries to his head and face.

The victim told police his assailants grabbed his wallet, removed $20, and tossed the wallet on the ground before fleeing, Edgar said.

He said the circumstances of the crime remain under investigation.

Original Story, 5:20 p.m. May 13:

A Lawrence Township teenager has told police that he was attacked from behind, beaten and robbed as he walked through the parking lot of Slackwood Elementary School early this morning (Sunday, May 13).

The 18-year-old was treated today at a hospital in Trenton; his injuries were not considered life-threatening, township police Sgt. Michael Yeh said.

Yeh said the teenager told police he was taking a shortcut through the parking lot of the school, located at Princeton Pike and Carr Avenue, about 2 a.m.

“He’s saying that two males – a black male and a Hispanic male – ran up from behind, beat him and robbed him of personal property,” Yeh said.

He said the two men allegedly punched and kicked the teen multiple times. Detailed descriptions of the two men were not available.

The 18-year-old did not immediately report the crime to police. Instead, he went home and passed out. After he awoke in the morning, he was driven to Capital Health Regional Medical Center in Trenton by his mother, according to Yeh.

The teenager told hospital staff that he had been assaulted; as required by law, the hospital, in turn, notified police of the crime, Yeh said.   

Yeh said police have searched the area surrounding the school for evidence. 

He said Officer Ed Podbielski and Detective James Smith are leading the investigation. Anyone with information about the crime is asked to call them at (609) 896-1111.