A 15-year-old boy with autism was brutally beaten after being lured to a fake Snapchat meetup in Stawell, Australia, prompting police to charge three teenagers involved in the attack.
In a disturbing incident captured on video, a 15-year-old boy with autism was violently assaulted near a train station in Stawell, Australia. The attack occurred on October 5, after the victim was allegedly lured to the location through a Snapchat meetup arranged with two girls, as reported by Australian news outlet news.com.au.
Footage of the assault shows a group of teenagers punching and kicking the boy, who falls to the ground while attempting to escape. During the attack, one of the assailants demands that the victim surrender his shoes before the group ultimately allows him to leave.
Victoria Police announced on Tuesday that they had charged three teenagers in connection with the incident. The suspects include one 14-year-old boy and two 15-year-old boys. Following an investigation, detectives from the Northern Grampians Crime Investigation Unit executed four search warrants in the area, leading to the arrests.
All three teenagers face multiple charges, including affray, robbery, recklessly causing injury, and theft. They are scheduled to appear in a children’s court at a later date. Additionally, police indicated that a fourth boy, who was not present during the search warrants, would be interviewed as part of the ongoing investigation.
The victim, who also has epilepsy, sustained soft tissue injuries and potential head injuries as a result of the attack. His mother informed news.com.au that doctors were conducting further scans to check for possible bleeding in his brain. “I’m just lucky to have him alive. … He’s having nightmares,” she said, expressing her relief and concern.
Since the incident, the boy has returned home but is reportedly afraid to go outside, according to his mother. Superintendent Dan Davison acknowledged the community’s distress following the attack and emphasized that police are committed to identifying those responsible.
“Since last Monday, local uniform police and detectives have been working tirelessly to identify those involved and hold them to account, and this important work will continue,” Davison stated in a news release. He added, “There is never any excuse for violence in our community, and we will not accept it in any form.”
As the investigation continues, police have announced that additional patrols will be deployed throughout Stawell to ensure the safety and peace of mind of the community. While authorities are treating the incident as isolated, they remain vigilant in their efforts to prevent further violence.
According to news.com.au, the community is rallying in support of the victim and his family during this difficult time.