Teens Arrested for Assault with Fireworks
On Monday July 7th, at 1:30 PM, TPD officers were called to a Tehachapi residence regarding a felony assault investigation. The parents of a 13 year old developmentally disabled boy had discovered that their son had been assaulted by two teens at West Park on July 6th.
The investigation revealed that at about 5:30 PM on July 6th, a 17 year old male and a 16 year old male had pushed the 13 year old to the ground and then placed a lit “Piccolo Pete” firecracker into the rear pocket of his jeans. The 13 year old was unable to get the firecracker out of his pocket before it burned through the jeans, causing second degree burns to the victim. An unknown bystander did offer the victim a water bottle to try and stop the burning. The victim was later treated at Tehachapi Hospital.
Based upon the descriptions and first names of the suspects, officers located and arrested one of the teens at West Park at about 4:30 PM. The second suspect was located and arrested at his home about one hour later.
Both suspects, Tehachapi residents, were booked into Kern County Juvenile Hall on charges of 12309 PC – Use of a Destructive Device Causing Bodily Injury, 245 PC – Felony Assault, and 12608 H&S – Unsafe Use of Fireworks.
Case # 08-07-1022
Prepared By: Jeff Kermode -Chief of Police
