UPDATE: Arrest In Pratt Student Attack (UPDATED- Press Release Attached)

As many of you are aware, a young man who is a student at Pratt Institute was beaten in a robbery on August 4th by a group of young men. Additionally, there were a number of violent incidents that took place in the area between July 10th- July 14th, as well as a number of attacks that have taken place this summer throughout the district.

We want you to know that Council Member James is working hard with the police precincts in the area, local businesses, organizations, and other stakeholders, as well as the City administration, to best address these violent incidents in the most effective way possible. We hope to have more information for you soon.

Regarding the Pratt student, NY1 reports that a teenager was arrested in connection with the assault. Both NY1 and The NYT Local blog are reporting that NYPD CrimeStoppers was helpful in identifying the accused attacker.

We strongly advise that residents use both personal safety measures, as well as informating the local police precinct, community groups and associations, public safety organizations, local elected officials, and their neighbors about any relevant safety concerns. We outline good tips here.

teamtish

Additional Media:

Update NYT- Local post (with information on alleged attacker)- http://fort-greene.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/08/12/sanchez-out-of-coma-suspect-gives-statement/
Gotham Gazette- http://gothamist.com/2009/08/12/one_arrest_made_in_brutal_beating_o.php
ABC News- http://abclocal.go.com/wabc/story?section=news/local&id=6960977

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 12, 2009

Minor Arrested in Savage Assault of Brooklyn Architecture Student, Council Member Letitia James Outraged by Teenagers’ Behavior


Brooklyn, NY- On the evening of August 4th, 2009, Eduardo Sanchez, a Pratt Institute student in his third year was assaulted en route to the Brooklyn campus. Sanchez was jumped by as many as five teens at the corner of Lexington and Grand Avenue.

Sanchez had left his Putnam Avenue apartment a few minutes before the incident, and he was nearly halfway to campus when a group of teenage boys approached him demanding his valuables. The teens then brutally attacked him, stealing his wallet and cell phone. He was also bashed in the head with a crowbar and left alone bleeding on the street. Sanchez was then rushed to Kings County Hospital Center, and was believed to have improved from his injuries until he fell into a coma on August 7th.

Earlier today, 16-year-old Eugene Adams from Brooklyn was arrested by the 88th Precinct, and he is now charged with assault, robbery and criminal possession of stolen property. The other four attackers are still on the loose.

“I breathed a sigh of relief when learning of an arrest in the assault of Pratt Institute student Eddie Sanchez. This kind of behavior will not be tolerated under my watch; there are simply no excuses for violence, ever. I am outraged and downright disturbed by the lack of regard for human life by these youngsters. Eddie remains in my prayers, and in the thoughts of all Clinton Hill residents. I vow to install better lighting, to place more security cameras, and to secure the deployment of more police in this area,” said Council Member James.

Safety and crime prevention tips to always keep in mind: be acutely aware your surroundings when walking and consider taking a car if in unfamiliar surroundings; unplug yourself from electronics; travel in pairs or groups if possible; please use caution when responding to an assault; carry only those valuable on your person that are absolutely necessary for the day; do not hesitate to contact the NYPD if you observe suspicious behavior; and immediately call the local police precinct if you’ve been a victim of a crime.

Contact: Amyre Loomis at (718) 260-9191


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