By Joe Johnson
A University of Georgia student was brutally beaten and robbed Wednesday as she jogged on the North Oconee River Greenway, according to the Athens-Clarke County Police Department.
Officers responded at about 2:55 p.m. to the area of the Greenway where they found the badly beaten 20-year-old student victim.
She was treated at the hospital and later released.
As a result of an investigation, a 16-year-old boy was taken into custody for robbery, aggravated assault, and aggravated battery.
“The offender struck the victim multiple times in the face with his fists causing visible injuries,” said Lt. Shaun Barnett, the police department’s public information officer.
“The aggravated battery charge stems from the injuries that were sustained to the victim's face as a result of the attack,” Barnett said. “To our knowledge, no weapon was used.” The suspect reportedly took the ear buds that the student was wearing.
After police notified the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice, the offender was transported to a Regional Youth Detention Center.
Police asked for anyone who may have witnessed this incident or has any relevant information to contact Detective David Harrison at david.harrison@accgov.com or (762) 400-7361.