Broad Daylight Beating May Be Tied to Prior Attacks on Immigrants in Englewood, Cops Say

ENGLEWOOD -- A group of young black males allegedly attacked and robbed a lone Hispanic man walking though Mackay Park last week in what Englewood Police believe is the latest in a string of attacks targeting Hispanic immigrants, Detective Capt. Tim Torrell said.

The victim, a 34-year-old Englewood resident, was walking through the south end of the park, near the concession stand, around 6 p.m. Friday when a group of six-to-eight males in their late teens to early 20s surrounded him, Torrell said.

"They proceeded to punch the man, knock him to the ground and stomp him while removing $50 in cash from his pockets," the captain said. "He took a bad beating."

An ambulance was called, but the man declined medical treatment, Torrell said.

The broad daylight beating and robbery comes on the heels of a handful of attacks against Hispanic immigrants in recent months. Police believe the victims, who may be undocumented, are hesitant to report the attacks to police.

"These groups are often extremely brutal in their attacks and purposely target Hispanic residents they perceive as laborers who are illegal aliens that they think won’t report the robberies to the police for fear of deportation," Torrell said.

He added that victims should not fear speaking to police because officers don't check the immigration status of crime victims.

"Knowing when, where and how these attacks occur help us tremendously in our investigations," Torrell said. "Often victims incur medical expenses they can’t pay. There are services we can direct them to for help with that also.”

Police are seeking witnesses to Friday's daytime attack, which Torrell said happened "in front of a whole park full of people."

"Somebody had to know at least one of these guys," he said. "We’re hoping someone steps up and does the right thing."

Anyone with any information should call the Englewood Police Detective Bureau at 201-568-4875. Tipsters may remain anonymous.