Erie police are condemning a brutal attack on an 18-year-old autistic teen who was beaten by a group of boys near Witherspoon Park.

Video of the assault spread online, prompting an investigation. Police say they became aware of the incident after seeing the footage and then tracked down the teen and his parents to file a report.

Police say the attack happened near Witherspoon Park Monday night. According to investigators, the 18-year-old autistic teen was chased down, surrounded and beaten.

The video circulated on social media before officers received a formal report. Once police saw the footage, their Intelligence Unit located the teen and his family so a report could be filed. The Criminal Investigations Division is now reviewing the video frame-by-frame to identify everyone involved.

“well, you know we’ll charge anyone that’s appropriate for this concerning large group of people meeting on one individual you know we saw the video as well like I said concerning you know and it’s active and ongoing and we are attempting to identify it and if anyone has any information for this, we’d ask you to call the police department” Chief Rick Lorah, Chief of City of Erie Police explained.

Police say the fight broke out just after a basketball game ended, as crowds were leaving the area and officers were clearing the park. Investigators say the teen was suddenly targeted.

Chief Rick Lorah says teens need to stay aware of their surroundings. He also warned parents they can be held liable if their children violate curfew rules. Lorah says dangerous social media trends, including teen takeovers, are encouraging young people to put themselves in situations that could lead to injuries or arrests.

“I understand it’s hard. I mean the social media is everywhere now and these new challenges come out every day but just being involved just be involved and try to be try to be able to see what your kids are looking at and talk to you about it when you see these new social media transit you say this is dangerous. Don’t do that. I mean, I think these conversations that people need to have” Chief Lorah said.

The investigation remains active. Police are asking anyone with information about the attack to contact the Erie Police Department.