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Police investigating video showing attack on special needs student in Bethel School District
Law enforcement and educators are investigating video of a student-on-student assault in the Bethel School District.
BETHEL, Wash. - A teen filmed allegedly beating up a fellow student in a bathroom of Graham-Kapowsin High School has been charged.
FOX 13 obtained video apparently shot on Feb. 14 that shows the suspect beating another teen with closed fists in the face multiple times.
According to court documents, the victim's mother, Nelle Vance, said that she believed the beating was retribution for her son reporting other students for vaping in the past.
Vance said her son is autistic and has limited ability to communicate. He is seen on the video putting his hands up to block hits to his face, but doesn't hit back. Her son had minor injuries.
Vance told FOX 13 that the school initially suspended her son, claiming he instigated the fight for not walking away. She said that because of her son's disability, he wouldn't have known what to do in that situation. Vance says instead, he got up after being beaten and went to class, where his teacher noticed.
Her son's suspension has been rescinded, but she is still keeping him out of school until she is sure he is mentally and emotionally ready, and when she feels like school is safe enough for her son.
The teen has been charged with fourth-degree assault,
FOX 13 News is not naming the teen due to his age.
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