Police: Group of Men Brutally Beat and Rob Man on Depew Street

A Depew Street man was brutally beaten and robbed by a group of men early Sunday morning,  said. 

The 41-year-old victim sustained a fractured nose, facial fractures, lacerations and bruising and was taken to the Westchester Medical Center for treatment around 6:30 a.m. June 3. He is still in the hospital as of Tuesday morning.

“According to the victim, he was jumped by several black males who punched and kicked him and knocked him to the ground,” Peekskill Police Lieutenant Eric Johansen said. The victim is Hispanic. The assault occurred on the 100 block of Depew, where the victim lives.

“Property was stolen, some of which has been recovered,” Johansen said.

The victim’s wife called the police to report the incident around 6:30 a.m. Sunday morning. The police are unsure of the exact time the assault happened because the victim may have been unconscious for some time, Johansen said. 

“We have been actively investigating the attack and following up on several leads,” Johansen said.

Johansen does not believe this crime was precipitated by the victim’s race.

“I don’t believe it was a hate crime, although a violent crime,” Johansen said.

“It does appear to be isolated. The fact it occurred is disturbing and of concern. We have notified our patrol and we are on the look out for individuals behaving suspiciously and we are certainly following up on all leads,” Johansen said.

This is the fifth robbery this year and the first one that has sent a victim to Westchester Medical Center, according to police.

Neighbors were surprised to hear of the attack Tuesday morning, saying their block is usually quiet and they feel safe.

“It is always quiet here,” said Victor Dumaguala, who has lived in his home on the 100 block of Depew St. for about 10 years.

A young mother who saw police at her neighbor’s house across the street Sunday morning said she was wondering what was going on, but was surprised to learn there was a robbery and attack. 

Farther down the street, 65-year-old life long Peekskill resident Gail Fox attributed the attack to desperation.

“People in Peekskill are desperate,” she said.