UPDATED 7/31, 2:15 p.m. ET: The assault charges against the 10-year-old boy who injured a classmate during a dodgeball-like game have officially been dropped. As NBC reports, a Michigan prosecutor dismissed the charge. "I have no doubt that both families involved love their children and want the best for them. But I do think that there is a better way to go forward at this time," Wayne County Prosecutor Kym L. Worthy said in a statement.
She added that the charge is "certainly sustainable," but it will be dismissed regardless. "It is my earnest hope that both sides will come back to the table to work out a solution that benefits both of these children." The charge was dropped just one day before it was set to go to court.
See original story below.
A 10-year-old black student is charged with aggravated assault after a white peer got hit during a game similar to dodgeball. As ABC's WXYZ reports, Cameishi Lindley received a phone call from Wayne County Juvenile Court last Wednesday (July 24) informing her that her son, Bryce, is charged with aggravated assault for allegedly aiming for this student on purpose.
"These kids are basically playing a game we all have played," Lindley said in an interview with 7 Action News. "I couldn't believe it. This is a kid that was playing on the playground with his friends." She explained that the game the students were playing saw them throwing dodgeballs up into the air, but it ended when one kid was injured. The incident in question happened April 29 at Ruth Eriksson Elementary in Canton, Michigan. As a result of the incident, Bryce was suspended from school for a day.
The parents of the other child filed charges against Bryce, stating that he has a medical condition that means head injuries are very dangerous for him. "He sustained facial issue damage to his face. He had a black eye and a bruised nose," they added. Medical records show that he sustained a concussion. "My son was hit twice in the face with a ball previously due to this. The child apologized to my son and my son said 'mom it’s OK we’re still going to be friends.'"
The Juvenile Court date is set for Aug. 1. To help with legal fees, Lindley has set up a fundraiser.
