Juvenile in custody after attempted weekend robbery

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — According to Wilmington Police, a group of unarmed black juveniles dressed in dark clothes tried to rob 38 year old Clark Anderson just after 10:00 p.m. Saturday night.

Police said Anderson was walking in the 900 block of Rankin St. when the group approached him asking for money. When Anderson only produced change, police said the teens began assaulting Anderson.

Police said one juvenile has been taken into custody. The victim was able to identify the suspect. The teen has been charged with common-law robbery and is currently in the New Hanover County Juvenile Detention Center.

Today members of the community spoke out and said the Rankin St. area has been improving over the years. To some, this incident was a little surprising because the suspects are so young.

“So, I mean once upon a time it was real rough around here. It has changed a lot since I was a kid”, said one community member Shawn Hicks.

Folks said that the neighborhood is trying to find ways to help youth in the area stay off the streets. They have a free basketball league in the summer, a student resource facility, and a neighborhood park to encourage good behaviors for young people.

Police are still investigating the incident and looking for other suspects at this time.