Police are searching for three teens accused of brutally beating and robbing a man at a South Jersey gas station after video of the aftermath of the attack was posted on social media.
Police say the man was attacked by three teen boys Friday at the Sunoco gas station on East Broadway in Salem, New Jersey. The teens stole the man’s watch and then fled the scene.
James Cooper, who works the overnight shift at a nearby hospital, was taking his break and went to the gas station to grab a snack around 1:20 a.m. Friday. That's when he saw the teens running away and the bloody victim lying on the ground.
"I saw him stretched out on the ground," Cooper said. "That's when I said I should help this guy out. So I grabbed my phone."
Cooper checked to see if the man was okay while also recording him. In the graphic video the victim’s face is badly swollen and some of his teeth are on the ground. The man posted the video to his Facebook and YouTube, urging his followers to share. *Warning, video is extremely graphic*
"It looked like he got beat bad, kicks and punches," Cooper said. "But I wish I could have gotten there earlier to help him out. Who beats up a 61-year-old man?"
Cooper called 911 and the victim was taken to Cooper University Hospital. Police told NBC10 they are having trouble interviewing the victim due to the severity of his swelling and injuries. Cooper also visited the victim at the hospital. He told NBC10 the victim said he was a volunteer at the gas station. The victim, who doesn't have any family in the area, also claimed his stolen gold watch is worth at least $500.
Local
Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood.
"He was happy to see me," Cooper said. "I told him that night, whatever happens I'm gonna make sure you're okay. I'm gonna stick by your side. When I saw him today he was actually happy."
Police continue to investigate.
