The police say that one of the people accused of attacking a 64-year-old man in a park streamed the attack live on social media as it happened.
As per reports, a group of four young persons, three of whom were male and one of whom was female, approached an adult male who was sitting on a bench and reading a book in the WPD park. Before putting a gun to the man’s head and demanding money as well as his things, they asked him where they could exchange money. Another person then sprayed him with mace after stabbing him in the lower back with a knife.
The man was stabbed once more in the arm before the suspects fled with his iPhone, North Face backpack, and $60 in cash. Zannay, 18, admitted to police that she was with the group and live-streamed the attack on Facebook with her cellphone.
“Here’s a man sitting on a bench, reading a book in the park,” City Councilwoman Mary said. “To think that it was actually planned and recorded to be publicized is just beyond understanding. It’s outrageous. What in the world would inspire a person to take part in such an assault and want other people to share it?,” she said, “It’s sick.”
Zannay and Dakei, both 18, were charged with attempted first-degree murder, first- and second-degree assault, armed robbery, theft, reckless endangerment, and carrying a dangerous weapon with intent to injure, according to reports. The group is reportedly responsible for other robberies in the area. Dakei was recently charged in a robbery involving a pizza delivery driver who was choked until she nearly lost consciousness, according to news sources. A tip from a citizen helped lead police to the suspects, and Facebook posts were also helpful to the investigation.
“Criminals do some crazy things,” a spokesperson for the police department said. “They record themselves committing crimes, and we thank them for it. We encourage the criminals to continue to record your acts, and encourage citizens to continue to send us information when you find the criminal wrongdoing on camera and on social media.”
Two other suspects in the attack have yet to be confirmed by police.
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