Middle School Student Charged With Hate Crime After Using Slur, Assaulting Classmate: Cops

WOODBRIDGE, VA — A Rippon Middle School student has been charged with a hate crime after an assault in a classroom on Sept. 22, according to the Prince William County Police Department.

In a report, the police department did not say whether the victim was injured in the assault. The report stated that the victim's mask was ripped in the struggle.

Authorities have not identified the student by name due to a Virginia law that protects the identities of minors accused of crimes. Police noted that the suspect is a 13-year-old boy.

He is charged with one count of assault and battery-hate bias. The boy's court date is pending and he was released to a parent, according to the police department.

The incident occurred in a Rippon Middle School classroom on Sept. 22, police said. During a class, the suspect called the victim a homophobic slur before trying to pull the mask from the victim's face.

Another student broke up the struggle and told a teacher, authorities said. The police department did not say whether a teacher witnessed the incident.

Investigators obtained the criminal charge for the boy after consultation with the Commonwealth's Attorney's Office. Juvenile court services will handle the case.