Philadelphia Police are searching for a group of teens who they say knocked a local elementary school teacher unconscious and stole his laptop.
It happened Tuesday around 5 p.m. along the 200 block of Wyoming Avenue. The victim, a 28-year-old 1st grade teacher, was leaving the Clara Barton Elementary School when police say he was attacked by the teens.
“We’re not sure at all who it was,” said Philadelphia Police Captain Mark Burgmann. “He passed a group of young kids and next thing you know he got knocked unconscious. We believe there were witnesses out there.”
Staff from a neighboring school dialed 911 and the teacher was taken to Temple Hospital.
“He received a few stitches and he suffered a concussion,” said Captain Burgmann.
Investigators say the robbers stole his cell phone, laptop and school papers.
“At this point you don’t believe students were waiting and targeted him?” asked NBC10’s Cydney Long.
“No, not at all,” replied Captain Burgmann. “We believe it was a crime of opportunity. They saw him walking by and they seized the moment.”
NBC10 also spoke with parents in the neighborhood who say they’re concerned.
“I’m concerned about the safety of my two children,” said Anthony Patterson. “Every day I walk them to school and pick them up, constantly looking around me.”
They’re also hoping for justice for the teacher.
“God bless him and I hope he gets through this,” said India Della Garcia.
The teacher has been released from the hospital. Police continue to investigate and plan to interview possible witnesses. If you have any information on this incident, please call Philadelphia Police.
