Bay Village cops seek charges in revolting ALS 'ice bucket' prank
BAY VILLAGE, Ohio -- Police say they are outraged over the treatment of a special needs student who had a bucket of feces and body fluids dumped on him in what he reportedly was told was part of the 'Ice Bucket Challenge.'
The Bay Village Police Department described the incident as a 'heinous act,' in a statement released Friday afternoon.
According to Bay Village Police, the parents of the 14-year-old boy went to Bay High School Wednesday morning to advise school officials about an incident which occurred involving their special needs son.
The mother found the video of the incident on his cellphone. She says her son was tricked by other students. The video was then posted to Instagram.
Spaetzel says police are investigating and will bring charges when they identify those responsible.
School officials say they will discipline any student involved.
According to a representative for Autism Speaks, Bay High students will be raising funds for the organization Friday at school and at the football game.
The Bay Village School District sent the following letter to parents:
Dear Bay Village students, parents, staff and community members: Our entire Bay Village Schools community is heartsick over the cruel actions taken against one of our special needs students as shown in the recent video aired on Fox 8 News. The student and family targeted by this act have our utmost sympathy, and we will work to let this student know that we care very much about his well being. We are supporting our Bay Village Police Department as they vigilantly work to complete their investigation in this case. Many of our students and staff members have been participating in fundraising for ALS through the Ice Bucket Challenge. It hurts us deeply to see such a wonderful effort twisted to deliberately cause someone pain. At Bay High, many students volunteer specifically to make sure our special needs students find the companionship and acceptance that will make them happy and successful at our school. What happened recently does not in any way reflect the vast majority of our students. We ask our parents and our community members to be patient as we work to discover all the facts. This incident is, at present, a police matter. Please respect the privacy of all the minor children involved, both victim and suspected offenders. While the incident happened outside of our school day and off campus, our schools will take all appropriate action available to us in terms of disciplinary action once the investigation is complete. We also expect that our student body will, as they always do, use this event as an opportunity to show that the greatest antidote to this type of cruelty and ignorance is the kindness and caring that they demonstrate time and again, each and every school year. Sincerely, Clint Keener Superintendent
Authorities say they will then present the information from the investigation to the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office to determine appropriate charges. Officials released a statement Friday to address the strong sentiment in the community.
We understand the collective community anger. It is the hope of our community that this anger will be channeled into a positive action and supporting organizations such as Autism Speaks. Anyone wishing to make a personal donation to the family should contact the family representatives at the offices of Valore & Gordillo at 440-333-7330.
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