Police are investigating the attack of a La Salle University assistant professor and former reporter.
Police say Huntly Collins, 65, was randomly attacked last Tuesday around 6:45 p.m. on the 100 block of Durham Street in the Mount Airy section of the city. Collins is a communications professor at La Salle University and former reporter for the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Collins told police she was walking home from the gym when two men ambushed her from behind. Police say the suspects repeatedly punched her in the back of the head, neck and shoulder, knocking her to the ground. Collins says she screamed for help, the two suspects ran off and neighbors called 911.
"We all watch out for each other which is why when she screamed help came so quickly," said Trish Miron.
Collins doesn’t believe robbery was the motive.
“I had a gym bag. For all they knew there might have been something valuable in it but they didn’t even attempt to get it,” said Collins. “They were clearly just there to beat me up.”
"I can see if it was a robbery," said Jerry Conway. "But then even to hit a woman that makes no sense. Then they don't want anything except to hurt someone? It's beyond me."
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Collins suffered several bruises but continues to recover. Similar attacks have occurred in other parts of the city, inclduing the beating of Edward Schaefer, 64, in Olney. Police arrested two teens in that incident.
Collins says its the "randomness" of the attacks that worries her the most. She and her neighbors plan to reach out to Mayor Michael Nutter and ask him to put more officers on the street. Residents also plan to revive the Town Watch in the neighborhood.
No word yet on the description of the suspects. No arrests have been made.
