Alarms Raised After Boy, 12, Attacked At North Austin Bus Stop

AUSTIN, TEXAS — Reports of a boy having recently been attacked by a man demanding his backpack in North Austin has raised alarm bells among parents.

The incident is said to have occurred Thursday, but only recently came to light this week. According to KXAN, the 12-year-old boy was waiting for his school bus at around 7 a.m. along the 12100 block of Walnut Park Crossing while it was still dark outside. The site is located in front of the Limestone Canyon apartment complex where the boy lives with his family, the news station reported.

The boy said a man demanded his backpack, threatening to punch him if he refused. When the boy said no, the man started to hit him in the face, according to the boy's account. Ultimately, the young victim sustained wounds to four different areas of his face, including a gouge on his forehead, he told the news station.

The boy told the news station he had walked his little sister to the bus stop before she was picked up at around 6:45 a.m. Standing at the bus stop alone, he told the news station, he saw his attacker emerge from the apartment complex before the attack took place.

Police have yet to locate a suspect in the attack. Meanwhile, the child said he keeps a wary eye on his surroundings each subsequent time he waits for the school bus to arrive. "I look out every single window to see if I can find the same guy, but it never happens," the boy told the news station.

In light of the recent incident, Austin ISD officials shared safety tips designed to prevent others from being victimized:

• Walk with a friend if possible.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Have an alternate location to go to in case of an emergency.

• Use the “WheresTheBus” app to track your bus’ route to limit any unnecessary time at the bus stop.

>>> Read the full story at KXAN

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