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Police Investigate Number Of Attacks Against Hispanics In Englewood

ENGLEWOOD, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- Police in Englewood are investigating a number of violent attacks that appear to be targeting Hispanics in the neighborhood.

There have been at least six incidents in the past month in which Hispanics were assaulted and robbed as the victims walked from work.

"In each case, we've had victims who have been assaulted specifically about the head and body where they've been rendered essentially helpless," Police Chief Arthur O'Keefe told 1010 WINS.

Police are investigating whether there's a potential link to gang initiations.

"In the last case, there were six individuals that were dressed in black clothing, they appeared to have been equally divided among juveniles and adult males who were standing by watching," O'Keefe said. "The conduct of the juveniles at that point led us to believe that this is probably some type of gang initiation."

Police believe there could be more victims who may be undocumented immigrants that are reluctant to come forward because of their immigration status.

"We're not concerned with their immigration status," O'Keefe said. "We simply would like to get to the root cause of this issue and arrest the people that are responsible."

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 201-568-4875.

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