5 Members Of Williamsburg Shomrim Charged In Assault of Black Man

WILLIAMSBURG - Five members of a neighborhood watch group in Williamsburg have been charged with attacking a young man back in December. The five members of the watch group, commonly referred to as Shomrim, allegedly chased 23-year-old Taj Patterson down Flushing Avenue while he was walking home. Patterson was allegedly jumped by the group and police say they beat him up. Patterson suffered multiple injuries to his head and body and lost sight in one eye. The five suspects have been charged with first-degree gang assault and could face up to 25 years in prison if convicted.