GARY, Ind., Aug. 22 (UPI) -- A group of middle school students in Gary, Ind., say they were attacked by four adults trying to steal their lunch money.
The children said the attempted robbery occurred Wednesday morning as they waited for the school bus to take them to Lake Ridge Middle School, WBBM-AM, Chicago, reported.
They said two men and two women got out of a car and demanded money and other items, with one of the women punching a 14-year-old girl in the face.
"They came up to us asking us for our lunch money and asked for money and electronics. They said if we don't listen to them someone is going to get hurt," the girl said.
A witness said the girl was "covered in blood."
As adults in the neighborhood were alerted to the attack, the four got in their car and drove off, witnesses said.
Tammy Fischer said she tried to follow the car but lost it in a housing complex.
"A child shouldn't have to worry about adults beating up on them. It's just sickening," said Shaminka Reed, mother of a child at the bus stop.
The school sent a letter to parents suggesting they escort their children to school bus stops.
