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Press Release - 10-Year-Old Canton Youth Charged with Aggravated Assault
10-Year-Old Canton Youth Charged with Aggravated Assault
Prosecutor Kym Worthy has charged a 10-year-old Canton Township boy as a juvenile respondent in connection with an assault on a nine-year-old male classmate at a school located in the 1270 block of Haggerty in Canton Township.
On April 29, 2019, it is alleged that the 10-year-old was playing a ball game called Tips. A rubber ball, similar to a dodge ball, is used to play the game. Tips is a game that does not involve throwing the ball at the players. During the game, the players are in a circle and everyone tosses a ball in the air. The players must catch the ball while jumping off the ground. Once the game was over, it is alleged that the 10-year-old took the ball and intentionally threw it with force, causing the nine-year-old to suffer a concussion and abrasions to his face. The child's mother made a complaint to the Canton Township Police Department. When the investigation was completed, it was sent to the Prosecutor's office for review.
After a review of the evidence presented, the 10-year-old has been charged as a juvenile with Aggravated Assault.* This is a misdemeanor charge in adult court. In the juvenile system, there is wide discretion in fashioning a remedy that is in the best interest of the juvenile offender.
Prosecutor Worthy said, "In many juvenile cases, we are able to craft solutions prior to charging any offense. After charging, remedies can be anything from dismissal, to providing needed services for the juvenile respondent to diversion programs and beyond."
The 10-year-old's first court date will be held on Thursday, August 1, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. in the Lincoln Juvenile Hall of Justice before Juvenile Referee Nicholas Bobek.
*The charges are allegations and defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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