This one was not so lucky.
Posted on 11/21/2015 11:44:40 AM PST by Altariel
ABERDEEN, Wash. -- The mother of a 3-year-old boy is furious that a man wasn't arrested after he allegedly assaulted the child at an Aberdeen playground.
The suspect is developmentally disabled, and prosecutors say that presents a challenging legal issue.
Three-year-old Matthew Svoboda was playing at the park Tuesday when things got ugly. The boy's family claims a 27-year-old man started attacking the child without warning.
"He pulled him off that with one arm and then he started hitting him, either with a closed fist or an open hand," said Matthew's brother, Toby Svoboda.
The boy's mother, Isabel Svoboda, watched in shock.
"He came over and grabbed Matthew by the legs to get him closer and he started socking him," she said.
It wasn't until after they pulled the man away from Matthew that the family realized he was autistic, visiting the park with a group of other developmentally disabled adults.
"I still don't think it's right," Toby said. "He approached Matthew. He ran over to him to do that."
The three people supervising the group placed the man in their van. Police arrived soon after, but instead of arresting the man, they gave him a citation for fourth degree assault, which is a misdemeanor.
"After the situation was over, he was let back in the park to go play again. So that's upsetting," Isabel said.
What's even more upsetting to the family is that the city prosecutor will likely dismiss the case.
"Based on the defendant having autism and having the mental capabilities of a 5-year old," said deputy city attorney Forest Worgum.City officials say the best solution is for the group home to keep tighter control of its clients and try to make sure the man is better supervised.
Representatives from the Harbor Alternative Living Association would not comment on the attack, and neither would anyone from the State Department of Developmental Disabilities, which oversees the association.
"I don't think he should have the privilege to run free like everybody else because he could hurt somebody -- especially a little kid," Isabel said.
Matthew wasn't seriously injured in the attack.
This one was not so lucky.
These are the people state schools were meant for.
Do you honestly suspect a three year old would sustain no injuries when struck repeatedly by an adult?
The only reason the kid was not killed is that multiple adults present *pulled him off* of the child.
A loose dog that attacks a child gets put down for *one* bite.
A grown man that attacks a child gets “he can’t help it” defense and allowed to return to the park. Do you think the other parents feel safe sending their kids to the park?
If we don’t allow a *dog* to get away with the “he can’t help biting” defense, we shouldn’t allow people. It’s unfortunate that he has mental issues, but this is someone who should have ZERO public access because he either was never taught (or is incapable of being taught) not to assault children.
If this is what you got from what I wrote, you are wrong. I'm not saying that "mentally challenged" people should be locked up ... hell, half the people I work with would be in jail! (that's a joke, y'know). What I'm saying is that a 3-year-old must be protected from an adult with violent tendencies.
You imply that because the baby wasn't hospitalized as the result of the attack (a "bad experience" as you characterize the beating) this is not a big deal. Well, I think it is. How badly would the baby have to be beaten for you to say we need to protect an innocent child from another attack ... a bruised cheek perhaps? ... or maybe something more serious like a broken arm would spur of your interest.
It's good that your cousin in Canada is able to enjoy the simple pleasures of life, but that's not always the case (as you no doubt know). All I'm saying (and taking some mild "hits" for it) is that people who are violent need to be controlled and, in some cases, locked away. That's all.
If a mentally handicapped person has zero history of prior violence, it is one thing to take him or her on social outings.
But if a mentally handicapped person is known to be violent (say, has attacked siblings, parents, animals, caretakers or has abused animals), then that person is not mentally capable of being in society because of the danger they pose to others.
Exactly; it’s the violence that is the issue; not the mental illness.
Suppose he had snatched an infant from a stroller and punched it, or knocked over a 90 year old lady.
I find it disturbing that some here are minimizing acts of violence when a mentally ill person commits them. Having a disability doesn’t make you beyond the reach of the law.
Autism isn't "Rain Man". I actually have known many people on the spectrum of autism. I am not promoting the concept of having wild packs of autistic people running around beating upon 3 year olds. The article was written or the response here has been like this individual has his full faculties and this action was done with malice. MORE THAN LIKELY, there is no concept of age differential between the "attacker" and the "victim".
I'm sure the parents would prefer to have their son in a safe group home or institution. Unfortunately, that's not the way it is. There is plenty of money for refugees, not enough for less fortunate citizens.
My apologies for calling you a moron. I don't like people saying bad things about people incapable of defending themselves. I don't like "taking breaths" though.
Enjoy your day.
Appreciate the note. Have a Blessed Thanksgiving, my FRiend.
Pointing out that it is a very base instinct signifying low intelligence to target a weaker animal for an attack is signifying malice?
Given that an animal who attacked a child would be put down, despite its acting on a base instinct which it cannot help, it is reasonable to say that a human who attacks another human should be locked away. The caretakers should keep it locked in the house to ensure there are no future incidents.
It’s very telling that the other mentally challenged individuals in the group did *not* assault anyone and enjoyed the park without incident, despite being of no doubt similar autistic or mental deficiencies.
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