Nine students at Harmony High School in Osceola County, Florida, were arrested Wednesday, Oct. 21, on charges of brutally beating a 17-year-old boy. According to the local sheriff’s office, the teenager was attacked after he stepped in to defend a female student who was being harassed by a group of peers. The victim was taken to a hospital with facial injuries and needed 11 stitches.
The incident took place on Oct. 16. Investigators said the 17-year-old was in the school cafeteria with his girlfriend when he noticed a group of students throwing carrots at another female student. The boy told them to stop, which led to a verbal confrontation. He then left the area with his girlfriend to avoid further escalation.
Later that day, as the 17-year-old was walking toward his car, he was attacked by nine students between the ages of 14 and 18. The young man was severely beaten and suffered extensive facial injuries.
His mother took the teenager to the hospital, where doctors treated him, including by closing wounds on his face with 11 stitches.
Officers received a report of a fight shortly after 2:30 p.m. During the investigation, they obtained a cellphone video that allowed them to identify the suspects.
On Wednesday, police arrested all nine suspects. Each was charged with battery and inciting a riot. Two of the suspects who are adults, 18-year-old Quianelle Antonio Reyes-Cintron and 18-year-old Brian Alexander Ramirez, were booked into the Osceola County jail. The remaining seven, who are minors, were taken to the Juvenile Assessment Center, a facility that handles minors detained by law enforcement.
“If you put your hands on another student, on school grounds or off, our deputies will arrest you,” Sheriff Chris Blackmon said. He added that the 17-year-old victim did the right thing by standing up for someone who was being bullied.
Edited by JŁ
Source: Słoneczne Radio
