Carbondale police investigate group assault, property damage of homeless encampment

CARBONDALE, Ill., (KBSI) — Police are investigating an incident in which a group of juveniles allegedly assaulted a person and damaged property at a homeless encampment.

The incident occurred Saturday night in the 600 block of East College Street. Officers responded to a report of unlawful use of a weapon and found that the victim had been battered, suffering non-life-threatening injuries.

A male suspect reportedly displayed a firearm during the incident. The suspects, described as 10 to 15 black male and female juveniles, fled the area.

The victim was treated at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale. Police are encouraging anyone with information about the incident to contact them.

Tips can be made anonymously through Crime Stoppers at (618) 549-COPS (2677) or (618) 687-COPS (2677). Cash rewards are available for information leading to an arrest.