A 19-year-old male unaffiliated with the University was assaulted around 11:15 p.m. on Saturday near 40th and Locust streets by a group of juvenile males, also unaffiliated with the University.
According to police records, the complainant was walking down the street when he bumped into one member of a group of five or six juveniles. The juvenile then allegedly proceeded to punch and kick the complainant. Two other group members joined in the fracas.
Shortly thereafter, the group fled down 40th Street.
The complainant was not seriously injured and refused hospitalization.
Police said the three juvenile suspects were spotted later that evening by Penn Police in the University Pinball arcade, located at 40th and Spruce streets.
The juveniles attempted to flee the arcade and escape the police, but were apprehended after a short chase.
"They didn't get very far," Penn Police Deputy Chief of Investigations Bill Danks said.
The complainant was then brought to the scene, where he positively identified the three juveniles.
The juveniles -- two 17-year-olds and a 15-year-old -- were released to the custody of their parents.
For several reasons, including the lack of a weapon or serious injury, the case is considered a misdemeanor.
Pennsylvania law says that police cannot make on-site arrests for misdemeanors unless they witness the crime in progress.
Therefore, the police must await warrants to make any arrests.
"We've been relatively free of this sort of thing, but it happens," Danks said, adding that, as soon as the warrants come through, "We're going to arrest them."
-- Jason Schwartz
