A 15-year-old boy in San Antonio faces charges after a violent incident left a 12-year-old girl injured. The teen said he was acting to protect his sister.
SAN ANTONIO — It was supposed to be the beginning of an extended carefree weekend.
But last Friday when buses from Northside ISD were dropping students off to enjoy their holiday, things took a tragic detour when a 12-year-old girl was brutally attacked at a medical center area apartment complex.
A San Antonio Police Department report indicates the attack happened when a bus pulled up in the 4600 block of Gardendale, off Wurzbach.
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The report indicates there were eyewitnesses and the assault was also caught on surveillance video.
When it was over, EMS rushed the girl to a nearby hospital using what they call “Priority Code One,” which they say can mean the possibility of life-threatening injuries.
The victim’s name has not been released, so a condition update is not available, but police said the alleged attacker was arrested on the spot.
The 15-year-old male had a detention hearing Tuesday and he was ordered to remain in custody.
During the hearing, family members who came in support of the teen, silently wiped away tears, and listened carefully to the accusations.
Judge William Cruz Shaw told the family he had read the police report and found there is probable cause to move forward with charges.
A representative from Juvenile Probation told the judge the teen has never been in trouble before and that he has caused no trouble since his arrest last week.
The judge was told because of the seriousness of the offense, the teen should remain detained and the prosecutor agreed.
The probation representative said the police report indicates there was a conflict among some children and the attack happened when the older, bigger teen acted out, ostensibly to protect his younger sister.
The teen’s father spoke on his behalf, confirming he has never been in trouble in his life, since the family moved to the United States 11 years ago.
The father said the family believed there would be trouble because there was a threat that there might be a physical attack.
The father said “That day I told him to go there to separate the kids in case, because the other kids were running to jump on them.”
When given a chance to speak, the teen emphatically told the judge he had learned a lesson.
“This is not about learning a lesson in life because I’m going to say you’ll probably do it again if you had to. I get it because you’re looking after family. I understand that!”
Shaw admonished the family that violence is not an answer.
“It’s different times. We can’t do that any more. You can’t throw punches, you can’t hit people,” Shaw said, adding there now must be consequences.
Shaw told the teen he would remain locked up for now, but he would be allowed to go home eventually.
With regard to the teen’s size and temper, the judge warned him to not cause trouble while he remains in custody.
“I need you to behave. You’re a big boy. You have other kids back there trying to pick on you. Don’t get sucked into that, understood?” Shaw told the teen.
The teen’s next hearing is scheduled for next Tuesday morning.
NISD officials said they did not notify parents of the attack since it did not happen on school grounds, but they said administrators did visit the complex and the district is conducting their own investigation, while they continue to cooperate fully with SAPD.
Northside ISD does offer a Safeline for anyone who has security concerns related to school issues. The number is 210-397-SAFE (7233) or emails can be sent to 397.SAFE@nisd.net.
The Safeline is operated seven days a week, 24 hours a day and it can be used to report crime, violations of district policy and safety concerns: https://www.nisd.net/node/8901