Fourth teen arrested for attack on teen with autism

Warning: Contains graphic content.

The Windsor Police Service (WPS) has arrested a fourth teenager alleged to have been involved in a brutal group attack on a teen who has autism.

The incident, which was caught on video and shared on social media, is said to have happened on the evening of March 9.

The victim’s mother told CTV news her 16-year-old son, who has level-one autism, was waiting for the bus after hanging out at Devonshire Mall when he was approached aggressively by a group.

The video shows her son attempting to run away before being knocked over and assuming the fetal position as the group relentlessly kicked and punched him.

The victim’s mother said her son broke his arm while trying to protect his head – with emotional wounds running much deeper.

She said this most recent arrest stirred conflicted feelings for her family.

“There’s a little bit of relief that there’s some sort of accountability,” she said. “But at the same time we don’t really know who these kids are. We don’t know if they’re remorseful.”

It’s unclear how many people took part in the incident, but four 14-year-olds had been arrested as of Wednesday.

The first arrest was announced March 13, with two more arrested and charged with assault causing bodily harm on March 16.

The fourth teen faces the same charge.

“We’re glad that the police are working hard to find closure for my son,” said the victim’s mom.

She said her son has received a lot of support while he heals, “It’s really nice for him to know that the public is supporting him. It makes him feel like he didn’t do anything wrong and this wasn’t his fault.”

Police said they continue work to identify others who may have been involved.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the MCU at 519-255-6700 ext. 4830. They can also contact Windsor & Essex County Crime Stoppers anonymously at 519-258-8477 (TIPS) or online.