Police in Lakewood are calling the Saturday attack of an Orthodox Jewish teen a bias crime.

The family of the 14-year-old boy says he was jumped from behind by a group of males. Police say the teen told them he was walking to meet friends after sundown on the Sabbath when he was attacked on Spruce Street. The teen told police he was punched so hard, he was knocked to the ground.

Police say the victim initially described the suspects as six or seven black males. However, authorities say further investigation revealed at least four of the attackers were actually white.

More than 20 bias crimes have been reported during this year alone in Lakewood. Police ask anyone with information to call (732) 363-0200.