Unprovoked attacks at heart of 'Knockout King'

By JIM SALTER

Associated Press

ST. LOUIS (AP) - A vicious game called "Knockout King" is raising concerns in several areas of the country, but no place has been hit harder than St. Louis.

St. Louis has seen around 10 "Knockout King" attacks in the past 15 months, including one in which a 72-year-old immigrant from Vietnam was killed.

The rules are as simple as they are brutal. A group, usually made up of young men or even boys as young as 12, chooses a lead attacker, then seeks out a victim. Unlike typical gang violence or other street crime, the goal is not revenge or robbery. The victim is chosen at random and often someone unlikely to put up much of a fight.

St. Louis authorities have set up a special squad to focus on Knockout King.

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