Police on high alert after violent attack outside Glassboro library

GLASSBORO, N.J. (WPVI) -- A violent attack outside a public library in one Gloucester County community has police on high alert.

Police say a man was in the Glassboro Public Library parking lot when he was severely beaten by two assailants, then left there.

For the mostly quiet city of Glassboro, news of what happened Monday night was met with shock and disbelief.

"It's really surprising. Stuff like that never happens around here. Like I said, I grew up around here. It's really unusual," said Lisa Whitefield of Glassboro.

Around 7:30 Monday evening, a 31-year-old man left the Glassboro Public Library and was waiting in the parking lot when police say two men walked up and punched him, knocking him to the ground.

A witness tells police the perpetrators continued to punch and kick the victim. Then they ran off toward North Academy Street.

None of the residents we spoke to were aware of the incident.

"I'm shocked. I'm also surprised that I didn't hear about it because usually Rowan University, where I work, they send out bulletins if anything like that happens in the area," said Denise Brush of Glassboro.

The victim was taken to the hospital with scalp abrasions, lacerations and facial and head swelling.

The library's surveillance cameras captured the entire incident. Police tell us they are reviewing the footage.

But they remain tight-lipped on any additional information.

"It's still the same town. You can't judge a whole town by the actions of one person or one group of people," said Whitefield.

Police wouldn't go on camera, but they tell us the investigation into this incident continues.