Three Teenagers Charged in Assault of Autistic Boy in Australia

Victoria Police have charged three teenagers in connection with the assault and robbery of a 15-year-old boy with autism, an incident captured on video near a train station in Stawell, Australia. The attack occurred on October 5 after the victim was reportedly lured to the area through a Snapchat meetup arranged with two girls.

The footage shows several teenagers punching and kicking the boy, knocking him to the ground and continuing to strike him as he attempted to escape. During the assault, one attacker demanded the victim's shoes before the group allowed him to leave.

Police announced Tuesday that detectives had charged three boys, aged 14, 15, and 15, following an investigation. Detectives executed four search warrants in the region before arresting the teenagers. All three face charges of affray, robbery, recklessly causing injury, and theft, and are expected to appear in a children's court at a later date. A fourth boy, who was not present during the search warrants, will be interviewed as part of the ongoing investigation.

The victim, who also has epilepsy, sustained soft tissue injuries and possible head injuries. His mother told news.com.au that doctors were conducting further scans to check for bleeding in his brain. She stated, "I’m just lucky to have him alive … he’s having nightmares."

Superintendent Dan Davison acknowledged the concern the attack had caused within the Stawell community and affirmed that police had been working to identify 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 said in a news release. "There is never any excuse for violence in our community, and we will not accept it in any form."

Detectives are continuing the investigation. While authorities are treating the incident as isolated, additional patrols will be deployed throughout Stawell to enhance community safety and reassurance. The victim has since returned home but is reportedly afraid to leave his residence.