17-y-o boy charged in relation to assault of Hanover schoolboy, two others arrested

The police say a 17-year-old boy has been charged with assault occasioning bodily harm in relation to the video-recorded assault of a 15-year-old student of Hopewell High School in Hanover.

The boy is among three persons who have been arrested in connection with the assault.

The police say the complainant was assaulted on Monday while walking home from school.

They say the 17-year-old suspect and several other students ambushed the younger boy behind a church in the vicinity of the Orchard community.

He was reportedly kicked in the head, neck and back and was repeatedly slapped in the face by the 17-year-old, causing swelling and pain.

The suspect and the others involved also reportedly threatened the complainant, warning him not to report the incident.

The complainant remained silent until Wednesday, when he was again assaulted by the 17-year-old and other students in the same location.

This incident was captured on video, which went viral.

The young men arrested are reportedly linked to volatile communities in Hanover and St James.

The 17-year-old is slated to appear before the Lucea Family Court on December 3.

Detectives from Police Area 1 say they are actively searching for two other suspects involved in the incident, as investigations continue.

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