Two 4th grade students assaulted in attempted robbery on the way to Gomes School

New Bedford Police are investigating after two male fourth grade students were approached by a teenager who demanded money from them as they were walking at Acushnet Avenue and South Street en route to Gomes School Wednesday morning.

The teenager demanded money and chips from the youths. When they refused, he pushed them and attempted to trip them. One of the boys sustained a minor scratch to his left hand when he turned around and made contact with a black folding knife the suspect was holding.

An unidentified male, described as about 30 years old, intervened and the boys ran off.

The school nurse treated the minor scratch and the boys attended school as usual.

The suspect is described as an Hispanic teen about 15, about 5’8’’ wearing jeans, a brown hooded sweatshirt with very short hair and a goatee.

New Bedford police are investigating. Anyone with information is asked to call the police department at 508-991-6350 or the anonymous tip line at 508-992-7463 or e-mail tip@newbedfordpd.com.