Crime & Safety

Youth Assaulted on Monte Vista and Heights

Police investigating attack on middle schooler Thursday night on Ridgewood's West Side.

Parents of middle schoolers in Ridgewood are concerned for their childrens' safety after an assault on a youth in Ridgewood's West Side late Thursday night.

According to several parents familiar with the situation, four middle schoolers were walking on Monte Vista and Heights just before midnight when they were approached by several individuals in a black, four-door Toyota sedan with tinted windows.

One parent with direct knowledge of the ordeal said a tall man in his late teens/early 20s with blond hair asked one youth where he was from. The 7th grade boy, the parent said, responded "Ridgewood" and was subsequently punched and choked by the man.

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After a struggle, the suspects drove off and a resident called police after the middle school students arrived at her door, a parent said. The 7th grade boy, 13, was not badly injured, according to the source, who said he and the other kids "were badly shaken."

Chief John Ward confirmed an assault took place – though he said the report did not show a reference to a choking – and said police are following up on leads.

He stressed parents and kids should have heightened awareness when walking at night. 

Find out what's happening in Ridgewood-Glen Rockwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"My recommendation to parents and kids is to avoid strange people but particularly if someone is out late at night or in the early morning hours," he said.
  
"If anyone has information, please contact the detective bureau," Ward said.


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