Kenosha Police have announced the arrest of seven suspects in connection with a string of “street level robberies in the city:

On July 1, 2012, the Kenosha Police Department received the first of twelve reports of street level robberies occurring, with the latest case being reported on 09-13-12. During this time frame, there have been four other reports of Battery / Substantial Battery reported with a total of six victims. In all of these cases, the descriptions and actions of the suspects have been similar. In these cases, the vicitms are describing their attackers as being male black teenagers, with the groups ranging in size from four to as many as eight individuals. Many of the victims report that they were just walking in the area when they were approached and attacked by these groups. These cases have occurred during the hours of darkness in the central, eastern portion of the city. The victims in these cases reported injuries ranging from pain and swelling to broken bones, as well as having personal property taken. In an attempt to identify and apprehend the suspects involved in these cases, the Kenosha Police Department conducted four undercover operations during the month of August. During these operations, two plain clothes officers were assigned to walk in the areas where these incidents had occurred. On August 24 th 2012, the undercover officers were walking in the 6100 block of 12 th Ave when they were surrounded by approximately twenty- five male subjects. Five of the male subjects took off their shirts and began taunting the undercover officers. The subjects then began circling the officers from different directions. The group as a whole quickly closed in on the officers, and then individuals from the group began attacking the officers by striking them in the face and head with their fists. During this attack, one of the suspects attempted to tackle one of the undercover officers causing them both to fall to the ground. While on the ground, the suspect began striking the undercover officer, while others from the group began to stomp on his head, shoulder, and rib area. During this attack, one of the undercover officers had his personal property removed from his pocket, and the other officer had his backpack forcibly taken . The back pack was later found and had been opened. Detectives assigned as cover officers to this operation quickly moved in to assist the undercover officers. As the detectives approached, they observed the male subjects striking and kicking the undercover officers. As a detective was attempting to take one of the suspects into custody, they ended up on the ground and a member of this group jumped on his back causing him severe pain. The actions of these suspects in the attack on the officers and the other victims have been violent. During the course of these investigations, detectives have identified and arrested seven male suspects. The suspects range in age from 14 to 16 years old. All suspects have been referred to court on charges ranging from Party to a Crime of Robbery, Party to a Crime of Battery, Disorderly Conduct, and Resisting Arrest. The Kenosha Police Department will continue to conduct undercover operations. While seven individuals have been taken into custody, the Police Department is still seeking any information in reference to these cases. If you observe any behavior that you believe is suspicious, please call the dispatch center. If it is in progress, call 911 or the non emergency number of 656-1234. If possible, provide the dispatchers with specific descriptions of the suspects and clothing, which will assist the responding officers. The Kenosha Police Department appreciates the assistance we have received in investigating these cases. The investigations continue. The Kenosha Police Department requests that anyone who has information about these cases contact Detective Pete Deates at 262-605-5286 or Kenosha Crime Stoppers at 262-656-7333. Due to the ongoing nature of these investigations, the names of the victims cannot be released at this time. The suspects that have been taken into custody are all juveniles and have pending court hearings. The Kenosha County District Attorney’s Office is reviewing waiver hearings for some of these juveniles. Their names will not be released at this time.