Victim speaks out about attack as safety concerns voiced at mall

A still frame just prior to the attack (Sirveillance video) with insets showing damage to victim's face and elbow. (Facebook photos)

COPYRIGHT2017© ROCHESTER - The Farmington teen seen on surveillance video being pummeled and kneed in the back of the head as she left her job at Planet Fitness earlier this month is asking the public to stop leaving tips on the man's identity on her Facebook page and let the police handle the investigation.

Eighteen-year-old Erin McCarthy of Rochester has posted numerous statements about the attack and pictures of her bruised body on Facebook since June 19, the day Rochester Police say they first received a surveillance video of the beating, a day before they issued a formal press release and a week after the attack occurred.

On Monday she posted, "Alright so this is the mother------ who decided to wait 8hrs just to beat my ass for a minute & a half literally. They counted 39 hits, mainly the back of my head & 2 kicks to the face🤗 He was driving a newer Gray/Silver Ford Fusion or similar Monday 6/12/17, 10PM, Planet Fitness, Rochester, NH. Yes, I reported it to the police and got medical attention. PLEASE SEND ANY AND ALL INFO TO POLICE, NOT ON THIS POST"

Again on Wednesday McCarthy posted, "I appreciate everyone messaging me and giving me names, I really do. But I am not a detective and I'm not getting paid to look for this guy. So please, please, please send in tips to the police, even if it's anonymous or the guy "kinda" looks like him. It doesn't matter, they'll investigate it and find out if it's him or if it's not."

Rochester Police are hoping someone from the public can help them identify the suspect in the vicious beating of McCarthy during which she was struck nearly 40 times during the minute and a half assault.

McCarthy, a service representative at the North Main Street Planet Fitness, was attacked as she left work around 10 p.m. on June 12.

Staff questioned at Planet Fitness on Wednesday declined any comment or even to verify her employment there, instead referring all inquiries to its corporate office, which replied to an inquiry by email, "The safety and well-being of our members and employees is our top priority, and we are currently working with the local authorities in their investigation on this incident. We are committed to assisting however we can in their search and hope the suspect is apprehended quickly."

Meanwhile, a female employee at H&R Block located inside the same strip mall as Planet Fitness said on Wednesday that after dark no one leaves the building alone, citing safety concerns.

The woman, who didn't want to give her name, said the policy is long-standing and applies to both men and women.

She also said that the surveillance video equipment that recorded the beating had just been installed in the past couple of months.

During the June 12 attack a partial video released by police shows McCarthy being attacked from behind with a punch to the back of the head as the assault begins. Police released only a few seconds of the attack citing privacy issues.

A police press release indicates she was punched multiple times and thrown to the ground after which the male suspect got in his car and drove away.

The suspect was last seen wearing a white T-shirt, shorts, white sneakers, a baseball hat, and sunglasses. It is believed the vehicle he fled in was a light colored Ford Fusion or similar vehicle.

Despite the severity of the beating, the victim did not sustain major injuries, police say.

Rochester Police in their initial press release noted that McCarthy was offered transport to Frisbie Memorial Hospital, but instead chose to travel with a friend for treatment.

The police log indicated she was bleeding from the hand.

The Rochester Police are asking anyone who may have information that could assist with this investigation, to call Officer Porfido at the Rochester Police Department at 603-330-7128. You can also provide information and remain anonymous by calling the Rochester Crime Line at 603-335-6500 or Text to: CRIMES (274637) Body of Text: TEXT4CASH + your tip. Cash rewards are offered for information that leads to an arrest.