NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – A 13-year-old boy has been released
into his mother’s custody after being charged in connection with an attack on a
12-year-old Brooklyn boy.
The 12-year-old Yeshiva student believes he was a victim of
the so-called “knockout game,” a violent phenomenon sweeping the country in
which youths sucker-punch unsuspecting strangers for kicks.
“I was punched and knocked to the ground,” said the boy, who
did not want to be identified.
The boy’s father said that after his son was randomly hit by
a group of teenagers, one gave “a hysterical, happy shout: ‘We got him.’”
The attack happened on Nov. 6 in Crown Heights, Brooklyn
where police are investigating at least eight other possible “knockout game”
assaults.
On Monday in Canarsie, a 72-year-old grandmother was punched
in the head. Like other alleged ”knockout” victims, she was not robbed, but
left on the street bleeding and injured.
Community activists and politicians are urging everyone from
police to the White House to take the “knockout” game seriously.
Police Commissioner Ray Kelly said his officers are trying
to stay ahead of the increasingly popular and extremely dangerous so-called
“game.”
“We’re concerned about it because the public is concerned
about it,” he said.
According to a news release by the Jewish Future Alliance,
the 13-year-old denies that he was playing the “knockout game.”
The teen was arrested Monday after being taken to the 71st
Precinct in Crown Heights by his mother. He was charged with assault and
aggravated harassment and is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday.
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