7 Minneapolis Teens Arrested In Kansas Assault
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Several teens from a Minneapolis basketball program were arrested on assault charges in Wichita, Kansas over the weekend. The kids range in age from 12 to 18. They're accused of yelling and throwing things at people, and some of the victims were homeless. It happened while members of Urban Stars were on the road for a basketball tournament.
Wichita Police say those arrested were seven kids from the Urban Stars program. It's part of a Minneapolis nonprofit aimed at breaking generational poverty. Police said the group attacked a man at his house.
"These individuals began to yell at him, make threats to him, a woman and a 29-year-old male," Wichita Police Lt. James Espinoza said. "These teens began to throw rocks, bottles, bricks and other chunks of concrete. When one of the victims attempted to run, he was tackled, tripped and beaten by the suspects. They kicked him with body weapons."
Police say that wasn't the only incident. Another man reported to police he was riding his bike on Main Street when a group of teens pushed him off his bike.
"The suspects threw rocks at him at this time," Espinoza said.
Police arrested seven people, including a 12-year-old, on suspicion of simple battery, aggravated assault and obstruction. Two 14-year-olds were arrested on suspicion of simple battery. Three 15-year-olds were face charges of simple battery and destruction of property. An 18-year-old was also faces charges of with simple battery.
Ms. Kyle Boyes, a Senior Administrative Assistant with the nonprofit that organizes the Urban Stars program, provided this statement:
"We have been notified of reports of an alleged altercation in Wichita involving a small number of young athletes from the Urban Stars basketball program. While we are disheartened by these reports, we will work closely with the children, their families and law enforcement to learn the facts and resolve this situation.
Our Urban Stars basketball program has long been focused on not only athletics but on building character and providing children a safe place to learn and grow. To work within the urban community and strengthen the families we serve continues to be our top priority."
Wichita police believe there could be more that have not come forward. Police said adults and coaches were with the group but were not there when the alleged crimes occurred. Urban Stars said they were working on getting information about where the chaperones were.
