PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Authorities are looking for two men who are accused of assaulting someone in the locker room of a Planet Fitness gym in South Philadelphia.
The incident occurred around 12:20 a.m. on February 19 at the gym located on the 2300 block of W. Oregon Avenue. Police say the victim suffered severe injuries and has only recently been able to provide detailed information about the attack.
Captain Trina Pendleton, the head of South Detectives, said the victim had no previous interactions with the suspects.
Surveillance footage shows the two men hanging around the counter area for some time before heading into the locker room. Once inside, they allegedly punched and kicked the victim in the head and body multiple times, leaving him unconscious.
Pendleton confirmed that the attack appeared to be unprovoked and random. The victim, a man in his 20s, was not robbed, and he did not recognize his attackers.
“These males were not members. They were allowed to enter the back area, but how they gained access is still unknown,” Pendleton said.
Although police are calling this an isolated incident, gym members are concerned about how the suspects were able to enter and leave without detection.
“I don’t think anything like that should happen here. This is a place to work out, not a place for violence,” said Juan Kurian, a South Philadelphia resident.
“It’s shocking. You should feel safe working out, not worried about getting attacked,” added Anthony Juliana from Aston Township.
The suspects were last seen running out of the gym after the assault.
Planet Fitness has not answered questions about potential changes to its safety protocols. However, a spokesperson for the company emphasized that member safety is a top priority, and the local franchise is cooperating with police in the ongoing investigation.
“At Planet Fitness, the safety of our members is a top priority. The local franchise group is working closely with police to assist them in their ongoing investigation,” the spokesperson said.
