Thug Who Attacked and Robbed Crown Heights Activist Identified

by CrownHeights.info

One of the assailants who cornered, robbed, and brutally beat a Crown Heights activist in front of his five-year-old son has been identified by the NYPD.

Darrell Cooper, 19, was arrested Thursday night t 9:15pm and charged with multiple counts of robbery, including a Robbery 2 involving physical injury.

According to the police, Darrel lives at 1024 Montgomery Street, just a short distance away from the 920 Montgomery address where the assault and robbery took place.

As previously reported on CrownHeights.info, the incident took place as Yosef Hershkop, a father, and Crown Heights activist, was attempting to park his car. During his attempt, the thugs claimed that he had bumped their car behind him, a phenomenon that is hardly uncommon in the crowded Borough of Brooklyn.

Infuriated, the thugs began to follow Hershkop as he searched for another parking spot, catching up to him a block later and cutting him off with their vehicle. The violent exchange that ensued was caught on surveillance video that showed the brutal beatdown as the gang of thugs pummeling him while he, and his son, were still inside the car, causing significant injuries to his face. After being hit more than ten times, the gang dispersed and fled the scene.

Video of the assault went viral and the story was picked up by all major local news networks and activists.

According to the police, the beating itself culminated when the Cooper stole $100 from Hershkop and fled with the others in a white sedan.

At present, no word has been released on the other perpetrators of the crime.