Man assaulted at Lehigh Valley Mall after coming to aid of security guard

WHITEHALL TOWNSHIP, Pa. (WPVI) -- A man was violently attacked Monday evening at the Lehigh Valley Mall in Whitehall Township after stepping in to defend a security guard who was being harassed by a group of teenagers, according to the victim and local police.

Bob Minnich said he was shopping with his family when he witnessed a group of unruly teens taunting an older security guard while others recorded the incident on their phones.

"Eventually, I saw everyone watching, and I chose not to be a bystander any longer," Minnich said.

After asking the teens to leave the guard alone, Minnich said the group - estimated to be about 10 young men - began to beat him near a jeweler's kiosk.

"One of them lunged at me. They got a hold of me, slammed me into the jeweler's counter, broke a shelf on the jeweler's counter. Eventually, one of them punched me in the back of the head," Minnich said.

He said he fell to the ground and was kicked repeatedly. Minnich sustained a black eye, a knot on his head, bruised ribs, and a concussion. The security guard was not injured.

Whitehall Township Police are investigating the incident and are asking for the public's help in identifying the suspects.

"We'd appreciate any help the public would be able to provide," said Deputy Chief Jeffrey Minarovic. "If they have any additional footage or cell phone cameras, or even if they just saw anything, we would appreciate the help."

Minnich, an Iraq War combat veteran, said he has no regrets about intervening.

"No, no, I would do it again, 15 more times. Yeah, I would. I am here to help," he said.

Minnich expects to make a full recovery. Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact Whitehall Township Police.