Police: Man attacked and robbed by teens in Center City

CENTER CITY (WTXF) - Police say they went from showing off their dance moves to pouncing on a stranger.

They look like just a bunch of teenagers walking down the street in Center City, one even showing off his dance moves, but police say within a matter of seconds things turned violent.

"At least two of them start attacking with punches and kicks," Philadelphia Police Captain Sekou Kinebrew told FOX 29 after video of the teens was released.

"That's outrageous. People shouldn't be attacked anywhere in the city," a man who works in the area said Thursday.

It was around 10:30 p.m. at night when police say the teens randomly targeted a 29-year-old victim along the 1200 block of Spruce Street. The young man lives nearby and was simply walking up the block when he was set upon, beaten and robbed. He was hospitalized with injuries.

"They repeatedly demand his items. They forcibly remove his backpack, which contained a cell phone, wallet and other personal effects," Captain Kinebrew said.

Police believe someone who knows these teens can help them identify the young men involved. They also believe their parents should step up and help.

"We're hoping maybe their parents recognize them and say hey wait a minute," Captain Kinebrew said.

FOX 29 spoke with the beating victim by phone Thursday. He is out of the hospital, but still shaken by the attack. He did not want to be interviewed at this time.

Police have not recovered any of the victim's belongings at this point.