Video shows brutal beating of teen in Brooklyn McDonald's
NEW YORK - Police say a suspect is in custody in relation to the brutal beating of a teenage girl inside a Brooklyn McDonald's. The incident, in which a group of teenagers punched and kicked the victim repeatedly for more than three minutes, was caught on video.
Bystanders can be seen in the video watching and recording the fight Monday afternoon on their cell phones, but police said none called for help.
The girls involved all attend nearby Erasmus Hall High School, CBS New York reports.
The target of the violence, a 15-year-old girl, eventually fell to the floor and curled up beneath a table, but her assailants continued to kick and punch her.
One young woman, who starts out wearing a black hoodie but later is seen wearing just a purple bra and jeans, is seen kicking the victim in the head.
Police told 48 Hours' Crimesider Thursday that a suspect is in custody, but said charges have not yet been filed.
The young victim and her mother were contacted by investigators but refused to cooperate, because of fear of retaliation, reports CBS New York.
But community leaders said they will not let the issue drop.
"We have names. We have pictures. We have video of all these individuals," activist Tony Herbert said. "So save the taxpayers' money and bring yourself forward."
Herbert also said anyone witnessing an assault has an obligation to report it and help make it stop instead of cheering it on.
McDonald's franchisee Paul Goodman released a statement in response to the fight:
"The safety of my employees and customers is my top priority. In keeping with my restaurant policy, my employees contacted the police at the onset of this situation. As part of the Flatbush community, I will continue to work with the NYPD and community leaders to ensure the safety of customers," Goodman said. "Since this is now a under police investigation it would be inappropriate for me to comment further."
The McDonald's also disputed claims that 911 was never called, saying the staff called twice within six minutes.