Three teenage girls are facing criminal charges in connection with a violent, camera-recorded mob assault near York College of Pennsylvania, authorities announced Friday.
The charges include felony riot, misdemeanor simple assault, defiant trespass and harassment, York City Police Capt. Daniel Lentz said at a news conference. Because the suspects are juveniles, officials did not release their names.
The cases will proceed through the juvenile justice system, which generally emphasizes rehabilitation. Still, York County District Attorney Tim Barker said the allegations are serious and promised consequences for those accused.
“We absolutely will fully hold accountable the individuals that did this,” Barker said.
The incident began at about 1:50 a.m. Saturday, when a large crowd allegedly entered an off-campus residence occupied by female York College students near West Jackson Street.
One victim told Fox 43 that several roommates were allegedly pulled by their hair, punched, kicked, sprayed with chemical irritant and beaten unconscious. The violence reportedly erupted after residents asked a crowd of more than 100 people—said to have gathered for an illegal street race—to leave the property.
Authorities said Friday that they could not provide an exact number of victims, but confirmed that more than one person suffered injuries in the confrontation.
Barker said the reported injuries met the legal definition of “bodily injury” but were not life-threatening. “We absolutely thank God for that,” he added.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
