Officials warn of unprovoked attacks near Penn's campus in Philadelphia's University City section
Public safety officials believe these attacks are connected to a nationwide social media trend.
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- University of Pennsylvania Public Safety is warning students and residents of recent attacks in the University City section of Philadelphia.
Public safety officials said there have been multiple reports of young people hitting victims, unprovoked, in the head.
Officials say this has been reportedly happening in the area of 40th to 38th streets, from Market Street to Locust Street.
One or more members of the group are allegedly striking victims at random with an open hand or closed fist, officials said.
Public safety officials believe these attacks are connected to a nationwide social media trend.
Suran Casselle, the owner of First Decision barber shop, says young people also shattered the front door of his business in June.
"It happened two days ago to one of my clients. His best friend was attacked on 38th Street, right in front of the Wawa," said Casselle. "And the group of youth, they're down here every day after school, like tons of them."
In response, public safety officials are urging residents to stay alert and avoid distractions, such as phones or earbuds. Officials said it has added more police and security to the streets and is working with city partners to address the issue.
