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Man with special needs beaten up by kids in Massachusetts, furious mother tells police

Danvers man with special needs beaten up by kids, mom says
Danvers man with special needs beaten up by kids, mom says 01:23

DANVERS - A mother is furious and wants someone held accountable after she says her son with special needs was attacked by a group of kids in Massachusetts.

"I was scared to death"

Chris Anderson is an adult who lives with his parents in Danvers. They said he went to the Holten Richmond Middle School near Plains Park Saturday afternoon and was beaten up. Danvers Police brought him to Beverly Hospital where he was evaluated and released.

"I was scared to death of them, those kids," Chris told the Danvers Select Board meeting Tuesday night. "It just breaks my heart every day."

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Chris Anderson spoke to the Danvers Select Board Meeting on October 15, 2024. Danvers Community Access Television

Anderson's mother said the kids have taunted them in the past and she said it needs to stop.

"Damn near kill my son"

"I am sick to death of it and then when they go and damn near kill my son who wouldn't hurt a flea. I have had it right up to here and I want something done about them," Antoinette Anderson told the board.

"I can't sleep at nighttime," Chris Anderson said. "It's hard, and can you guys do more for me, please?"

15-year-old arrested by Danvers police

On Friday, a 15-year-old boy was arrested in connection with the alleged attack.

Danvers police said the suspect has been charged with two counts of assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon, assault and battery to intimidate based on disability, and assault and battery on a person with an intellectual disability.

Danvers police continue to investigate the incident with the Essex County District Attorney's Office. Additional details were not released because the suspect is a juvenile.  

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