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10-year-old Canton boy formally charged with assault after schoolyard game

Posted at 6:31 PM, Jul 30, 2019
and last updated 2019-07-31 12:00:22-04

CANTON, Mich. (WXYZ) — A 10-year-old boy from Canton Township has been charged as a juvenile after it was alleged he assaulted a 9-year-old classmate during a schoolyard game in April, Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy announced Tuesday.

The 10-year-old is charged with aggravated assault.

According to a release, the charge is a misdemeanor in adult court, but in the juvenile system "there is wide discretion in fashioning a remedy that is in the best interest of the juvenile offender."

RELATED: Canton 10-year-old charged with assault following schoolyard injury

On April 29, students at the Canton school were playing a game called "Tips" in the schoolyard with a rubber ball similar to a dodge ball. According to a release, the game doesn't involve throwing the ball at other players.

Reports state that 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 cuts to his face.

The injured child's mother then made a complaint to local police.

The prosecutor's office said in a release that after a review of the evidence, the child was charged.

“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 juvenile will appear in court for the first time on Thursday, Aug. 1 at 9 a.m.