Brian Shane

DelmarvaNow

Salisbury Police said a group of seven teenagers on stolen bicycles assaulted an 83-year-old man with his own umbrella.

It happened Saturday, Dec. 6, around 3:30 pm. Police said the victim reportedly was walking down Camden Avenue in the area of Monticello Avenue, carrying an umbrella, when he was approached by a group of teenage boys riding bicycles. Police later learned the bikes were stolen.

One of the boys struck the victim in the back of the head, which caused the man to fall over, police said. "Gimme all your money," this boy allegedly told the man.

The teens then allegedly proceeded to kick and punch the victim while he was on the ground. Police said one of the boys grabbed the man's umbrella and beat him with it, causing the umbrella to break in half. The suspects then fled the scene, according to police.

Police said seven young men were located, identified, and charged for the assault and robbery. They included three 14-year-olds, two 15-year-olds, and one 16-year-old. All of them are from Salisbury. Six of them were held by the Department of Juvenile Justice. The oldest was seen and released by a District Court Commissioner, police said.

Officers also recovered a backpack from the suspects, which contained a replica handgun.

The victim, whom police have not named, complained to police of pain "to his entire body," as well as suffering from minor lacerations to his upper torso.

Police said their investigation is ongoing, and need the public's assistance in identifying other suspects in this case. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Salisbury Police Department at (410) 548-3165.

bshane@delmarvanow.com

410-213-9442, ext. 17

On Twitter @bwshane