Police arrested 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.
One teen was arrested on July 30 while two others were taken into custody on July 31. Police say the teens are all from Salem, New Jersey. Two of them are 17 while one is 15.
The teens face aggravated assault, robbery, theft and other related charges in connection to the incident on July 25 at the Sunoco gas station on Market Street. Police say the teens attacked a man, stole his 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. 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. Cooper also visited the victim at the hospital and 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.
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"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 say Cooper's video was a key part of their investigation. All three of the teens were lodged in juvenile facilities. Detectives are discussing with the Salem County Prosecutor's Office the possibility of trying the three suspects as adults.
