Five Binghamton Teens Arrested in Vicious Attack on Homeless Man

Five teenage boys have been taken into custody after they allegedly punched and kicked a homeless man on a downtown Binghamton street.

Authorities said the man who was attacked is 45 years old and has no permanent address. He had been walking alone on the sidewalk on Carroll Street around 9:30 p.m. Monday when he was assaulted by five youths.

Investigators said man walked a short distance before he became unconscious from his injuries. The assailants ran away from the scene.

Police were called about 90 minutes after the attack to check on an unconscious man lying on the sidewalk at Carroll and Henry streets. The victim was transported to a hospital for treatment. He was reported in critical condition late Wednesday afternoon.

Detectives interviewed several people and collected video recordings from downtown cameras on Tuesday. They determined five people were involved in the attack.

Police said two 14-year-old boys and two 15-year-old boys have been charged with second-degree attempted murder. They were ordered held at a juvenile detention center in Syracuse.

A 13-year-old boy believed to have been involved in the assault was released to a guardian. He's expected to face charges in the future.

Investigators said the attack was a "targeted act" although the teens didn't know the man who was punched and kicked. They've determined the assault is linked to a social media trend of recording attacks on homeless or drug-addicted people on the street. The videos then are posted online.

Police said the victim sustained "serious physical injury to his head and body."

Enter your number to get our free mobile app

Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com or call (607) 545-2250. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @bobjoseph.bsky.social on Bluesky or @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.