DETROIT _ A 10-year-old Canton boy has been charged with aggravated assault after prosecutors say he threw a ball at a classmate's head, causing a concussion.
The incident happened April 29 at Eriksson Elementary School in Canton after a group of students had finished playing a game called Tips. The game involves players standing in a circle and jumping to try to capture a ball that has been thrown up in the air.
"Once the game was over, it is alleged that the 10-year-old took the ball and intentionally threw it with force, causing the 9-year-old to suffer a concussion and abrasions to his face," the office of Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy said Tuesday in a news release.
An investigation was launched after the injured boy's mother reported what happened to Canton police.
Worthy said the accused boy is being charged as a juvenile.
She noted that while aggravated assault is considered a misdemeanor offense for adults, the juvenile court system allows for leeway in how such cases are resolved.
"In many juvenile cases, we are able to craft solutions prior to charging any offense," Worthy said. "After charging, remedies can be anything from dismissal, to providing needed services for the juvenile respondent to diversion programs and beyond."
The boy's first court hearing is Thursday before Juvenile Referee Nicholas Bobek at Lincoln Hall of Justice in Detroit.
