Surly groups of teenagers roaming the streets of Brooklyn randomly hitting strangers for kicks has all the trapping of local news fearmongering, like butt-chugging or satanic cults, but the evidence is getting worryingly out of hand. Local police say as many as eight people — mostly Jewish — have been targeted by black teens in recent weeks. The victims have been punched or slapped, but not robbed. “A phrase that is used is ‘polarbearing,’ or ‘polar bear,’” said NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly. “Knockout has also been used.”
Police presence has been increased in Crown Heights, where the eight attacks have occurred. A 78-year-old woman was similarly assaulted in Midwood. “She was carrying a purse that was in full view and many bags, nothing was taken,” said the victim’s daughter. “This was purely a wanton incident, someone wanted to inflict pain onto someone else, no other purpose.” Other cities are reporting comparable incidents.
The NYPD’s Hate Crimes Taskforce is investigating. The world is the worst.
