The teen who violently attacked the victim with brass knuckles is now trying to return to their East Harlem school. Rob Schmitt reports.
A New York City teen was charged with felony assault after he was caught on camera punching another student in the face with a set of brass knuckles last month.
Video taken from outside Esperanza Prep Academy on East 109th Street in East Harlem shows a 16-year-old teen clocking younger student, 14, in the jaw with a set of brass knuckles in April.
A loud pop can be heard when the 16-year-old's fist connects with the 14-year-old's face. The younger teen then staggers around before doubling over. That's when the older boy hits him again.
Authorities said that the older boy secretly put on a set of brass knuckles before throwing the punch. After the attack, the 16-year-old was charged with assault.
New York courts have ruled that possession of any form of metal knuckes is a criminal offense. Offenders are typically charged with fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon, though it's not clear if the 16-year-was also charged with that crime.
Witnesses told NBC 4 New York that the 14-year-old was badly wounded in the attack and was bleeding from the mouth and nose.
School officials are meeting on Thursday to determine whether the 16-year-old, who was suspended after the attack, can come back to school, according to the 14-year-old's mother.
The younger boy's mother said that she is worried for her son's safety if the older boy isn't expelled.
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The city Department of Education said that the safety and security of students is of top priority.
