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Updated: 6:44 AM Oct 1, 2008
Elkhart Police investigate robberies, beatings- some target Hispanics
Last month, we told you about a string of armed robberies in Elkhart. In some cases, police say Hispanic males were being targeted. This past weekend, Elkhart Police say that trend is continuing.
Posted: 10:35 PM Sep 30, 2008Reporter: Sarah Platt Email Address: sarah.platt@wndu.com |
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Last month, we told you about a string of armed robberies in Elkhart. In some cases, police say Hispanic males were being targeted.
This past weekend, Elkhart Police say that trend is continuing. Three Hispanic males were beaten in two separate attacks this weekend. On top of that, Elkhart Police say there were two other armed robberies and two attempted robberies.
Residents are concerned that the crimes are growing more bold and more violent. “It seems like most of these happen when a Latino male is by themselves,” says Elkhart Police Lt. Ed Windbigler.
Early Saturday morning near California Road and Kent Street, police say two Hispanic men were jumped by 5 to 7 black males. The suspects kicked them to the ground and took their money.
And Sunday afternoon, another man riding his bike on the 600 block of West Indiana-- was knocked off his bike and beaten up. His wallet was also taken.
“We've had several of these [attacks] now. I'm talking 9, 10 where groups of black males have targeted Latino males, they're being beat up and robbed and getting very little money,” says Lt. Windbigler.
By phone, Newscenter 16 spoke with two of the victims. Both declined to talk on camera, but say they're still shaken up from the attacks.
Meantime, Elkhart Police are also investigating some weekend robberies.
One 7-11 cashier we talked to was threatened with a gun. “The one guy came in, he stuck a gun in my face, the other one stayed by the door,” says Robin Buck. “It's scary, it was scary.”
Off-camera, Newscenter 16 talked to a resident who lives right across the street from where one of the attempted robberies occurred. She says she’d like to see an end to the 24-hour gas stations in her neighborhood. “It's terrible cause there's people around here trying to raise a family and it's a dangerous place,” says the resident, who asked to remain anonymous.
Elkhart Police are encouraging people to use caution out there, especially if you're heading out alone at night.
If you have any information on either the beating incidents or the robberies, call Elkhart Police at 574-295-7070.

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