RCMP in Richmond, B.C., say they are investigating an unprovoked assault on a teen who has autism.
The teen was playing basketball with a group of people at a school in the 7100-block of Minoru Boulevard around 7 p.m. last Friday when he was attacked, police said Thursday.
Witnesses called police, but the victim had left by the time officers arrived. They later found him at a local hospital.
According to one witness, the suspect was told that the teen had a developmental disability. The suspect still proceeded to punch the boy, police said.
The victim suffered a facial laceration and concussion, police said.
He initially did not tell his parents what happened because he did not want to upset them, according to Cpl. Adrian Peralta, who went on to say the incident has had a “profound effect” on the victim’s family.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Richmond RCMP at 604-278-1212. Those who wish to remain anonymous can contact Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477.