Homeless Assault
By Wil Weldon

A homeless man was just released from the hospital from an assault he suffered early Sunday morning on Franklin Street.

Investigators are still trying to figure out why someone attacked and beat Randolph Long, 49, early Sunday morning. Police found Long barely conscious on the 100-block of East Franklin Street, after being punched by what witnesses describe as a group of 10-15 black male teens wearing black t-shirts. Chapel Hill police are investigating the possibility of gang activity.

This is not the first such act of aggression against the homeless in Chapel Hill. Police spokeswoman Jane Cousins recalled another recent attack.

“We have had other incidents where homeless people have been assaulted. Sometimes it’s by other homeless people. We had one where a man was actually assaulted – was physically assaulted and sexually assaulted -- by a group of young men. That was about a year ago,” said Cousins.

Police presence has been steadily increased on Franklin Street in the past year, thanks in part to a state grant to combat gang-related activity. The victim was released from the hospital Wednesday morning.

Police have had some leads and are asking for anyone with information to call 968-2760.