Police in Newark bought a seventh grader a new phone after his was stolen during an attack while he was walking home from school.
The 11-year-old was walking along the 500 block of Summer Avenue on Monday when he was attacked.
The security cam video shared by one of the neighbors shows four teenagers getting out of two gray SUVs to attack the boy. The middle schooler could be heard screaming while he was trying to fight back. He then goes toward the car to try and get his phone back before they drive off.
Officers went back to the area on Wednesday and presented the young man with a new phone.
News 12 New Jersey spoke with Newark Councilman Anibal Ramos whose office partnered with the police department to purchase the device.
"Typically around the holiday season they’ll step up enforcement because property crimes go up, it’s a trend that happens in every big city around the country,” Ramos said.
Police continue to search for the four teens responsible for the attack. They say one was wearing a black jacket with beige sleeves. Another wearing all black clothing with a gray face mask. The third is wearing black pants and white sneakers. The fourth suspect was seen wearing a red skull cap, black hoodie and gray sweats with white sneakers.'
Anyone who might have information about the incident is urged to contact the Newark Police Department at 1-877-NWK-TIPS.