Kids Arrested in OKC for Attacking Exchange Student on Bus

News9.com

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Oklahoma City police arrested four students accused of bullying and assaulting a foreign exchange student from China.

The Centennial Middle and High School students were headed home on the school bus October 13. The 17-year-old victim said he was listening to his iPod when the suspects, ages 12 to 14, pulled the earphones out of his ears and tried to take his backpack. The teen stood up and told them to leave him alone.

According to the police report, the students then started attacking the teen. Two of them punched him in the face and head while the other two grabbed his backpack and began searching for items to steal. The victim told police he did not fight back because he'd been told when he came to the U.S. that if he was involved in any fights or conflicts, he could be sent back home. The victim also said the bus driver did nothing to stop the attack.

"They actually got off at the same stop he did and followed him. They continued hitting him and assaulting him as he was off the bus. Fortunately he was able to get away without any serious injuries," said Oklahoma City police Sgt. Jennifer Wardlow.

The victim told police the attackers also made several racial slurs and jokes.

The victim was finally able to run home. His guardian took pictures of his injuries and called police. The officer who responded noted the teen had several bruises and abrasions.

Officers located the students the next morning when they arrived for school. They were arrested for assault and battery and taken to the Juvenile Community Intervention Center.