Police say Townsend was apparently playing the “knockout game,” which involves random, unprovoked attacks on unsuspecting victims, usually by teens. Police did not detail why they think this was a “knockout” attack.
A St. Louis teen was charged over the weekend in an assault in the Central West End that police said appears to be a “knockout game” attack.
Edward L. Townsend, 17, of the 4900 block of Evans Avenue, was charged with one count of third-degree misdemeanor assault.
The 30-year-old male victim was walking on the sidewalk in the 4600 block of McPherson Avenue about 10 p.m. Friday when a group of teens approached. Townsend punched the man.
The man tried to fight back and tried to run but the group followed him and surrounded him, according to police and witness accounts. He yelled, drawing attention of neighbors.
A woman who heard the victim yelling said she went outside to check the man, who told her the teens did not say anything to him and did not try to steal anything.
Shortly after the attack, a St. Louis police bicycle officer responded to the area, followed by several patrol cars, and witnesses said several teens were quickly detained. Witnesses reported at least a half dozen teens appeared to be taken into custody. One teen was led to the center of the street so he could be illuminated by squad car headlights for the victim to identify.
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