EXETER — Police are investigating a report of an assault on a 12-year-old girl Saturday, when one girl from a group of teens allegedly chased, grabbed, and yanked her to the ground, injuring her elbow.
Police Chief Stephan Poulin confirmed in an email Tuesday police received a report of a juvenile assault near the playground at Lincoln Street School at 4:40 p.m. on Aug. 31.
He stated he could not comment further due to the ongoing investigation.
Tom Field, the victim’s father, who lives in Maine, alleges his daughter was "attacked by a group" of seven girls, aged 13-14, leading to a sprained elbow.
He posted his daughter's experience on Facebook and LinkedIn to alert other parents.
“She's never going to feel as safe as she did in Exeter, NH,” he said.
Field said his daughter was visiting her mom in Exeter when the incident occurred. The 12-year-old and six friends, all ages 12-13, he said, were walking from downtown to Gerry’s Variety Store when they passed another group of girls. One of the girls in that group, a "friend," called her over, he said.
Field said when his daughter reached the group of girls, they surrounded her and told her, “It’s game time.”
“She tried to run away, but one of the girls chased after (her), caught her by the hair, and then pulled her backward, yanking her to the ground onto her elbows and head,” he posted on social media. “Seeing what she'd done, the assailant ran back to her gang, and they dispersed.”
Field said his daughter's friends witnessed the entire incident from a distance.
He said his daughter was brought home by her sister, and at home, their mother called the police. Officers later came to talk to his daughter before she was transported by ambulance to the hospital to be treated for her injury.
“I cried,” said Field. “She’s my daughter. My precious 12-year-old and she got hurt. Someone took her by the hair, dragged her, and threw her to the ground, and I wasn’t there to stop it.”
Field said his daughter later learned the group of girls were attempting to steal her new shoes.
“These weren’t Air Jordans, they were just inexpensive Crocs,” he said. “From what I understand from my daughter, these weren’t … troubled kids. She said they were some of the most popular kids in school, so nothing about this makes sense to me.”
Field said Tuesday his daughter was back home with him in Maine. He said she has to wear a sling because of the sprained elbow, “but thankfully no lasting physical damage.”
Field said he wants the group of girls to be held "legally accountable," including paying for his daughter’s medical expenses. He also wants other parents in the area to be aware of what happened.
“I don’t think my daughter was the first victim, I don’t think she’ll be the last one,” said Field. “I’ve given my children independence to go out and explore the town … there are other parents that are allowing their children to do that. Some of their children are being preyed upon, and some of them are active or passive predators. I don’t for a minute think that all those girls that surrounded her meant to do her harm, but they’re still part of it.”
This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Dad sounds warning after alleged attack on girl in Exeter by 'friend'; police investigate
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