Three youths beat a fourth and stole his cell phone.
WESTFIELD — An 18-year--old Westfield youth was arraigned Wednesday on charges he pistol whipped another youth with a BB pistol, knocking out three teeth and potentially breaking the victim's nose.
Colin Hannifan, of 28 Hancock St., was arraigned in Westfield District Court and entered pleas of not guilty to two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and a single count of armed robbery. He was released on his personal recognizance pending a July 12 pretrial conference.
According to The Westfield News, the victim told police Hannifan and two accomplices accosted him as he walked along the dike near Miller Street shortly before 10 p.m. Friday. The victim said Hannifan struck him with the metal pistol and he was knocked to the ground. The three continued to beat and kick the prone victim, then took his cell phone. The beating continued until a passerby broke up the fight and led the victim to safety.
Hannifan was arrested Wednesday, and police continue to investigate the incident.