Lenexa police tap community for help identifying suspects
Dec 18, 2024
LENEXA, Kan. -- Lenexa Police are asking for help identifying two men in relation to an attack on Saturday.
They say that the two walked into Half of Half Brand Name Clothing on Marshall Drive around 7:45, then sucker punched a 15-year-old store employee from behind, knocking him to the ground.
“So, our victim here is a teenager, just an individual working there, trying to earn a living,” said officer Danny Chavez with Lenexa Police.
“Nobody should have to put up with that.”
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The attack was caught on the store’s security cameras. The two suspects were wearing all-black clothing with black hoodies, both had their hoods up. They were wearing face masks, but both were caught on camera showing their entire face. Officers saw the two suspects get into a white, new model Nissan Altima.
Lenexa Police say that the reason behind the attack is still unknown.
“We don't know if they were there to commit a theft or a robbery and for whatever reason, they felt like it was thwarted,” Chavez said, noting that nothing was taken from the store.
“And so, they decided to take out their frustration on this staff member. He had not confronted them at all. So, it did appear random. There's nothing at this time that would point to they were targeting him specifically.”
Chavez called the attack unsettling and unfortunate.
“Especially this time of year. We know there's extra stress for all those retail workers at stores all across the country and certainly here in the metro,” he said.
“So just to be doing your job and maybe at the end of a long day, to get sucker punched for reasons you don't understand. It's very unfortunate.”
He noted that the two suspects drew attention from others in the store.
“They initially did catch the eyes of some of the employees as well as shoppers. You'll notice in the video they're dressed a bit unusual.” Chavez says that if you notice suspicious activity or suspicious people, avoid engaging them.
“We don't want anybody to put themselves in harm's way by trying to confront them or anything that, that may put themselves or other innocent people in danger.”
If you recognize either individual, you’re encouraged to call the detective assigned to the case at 913-825-8097, or send a direct message to the department on Facebook, Instagram or X.