If reports from the Okeechobee City Police Department are to be believed, then an 18-year-old resident of Okeechobee has been arrested for assaulting a 16-year-old boy with autism. Videos of the assault were recorded and shared online, leading to the arrest of Wheeler, the assaulter, plus another adult believed to be linked to the incident.
What really happened?
The teen was called for an interrogation by the Police to explain what prompted the assault. According to the victim, he was lured into a party on SW 9th Street last Friday. After this, he was offered alcohol and was then instructed to go outside and engage in a physical altercation with someone. Seeing the unjustness of this request, the teen refused, and Wheeler was summoned to coerce him into the fight.
Wheeler then proceeded to attack the teenager, allegedly choking him until he passed out and punching him in the face. A report was later filed by a police officer who discovered the victim lying on Southwest 6th Street in the early hours of the morning. The victim was then taken to a hospital for medical treatment.
Medical Report
Medical professionals determined that the victim suffered from a sprained neck, facial, and scalp contusions, as well as a concussion. In the meantime, the officer discovered that a video of the incident had been posted to a Facebook profile under Andrew Wheeler.
Upon reviewing the video, it was observed that Wheeler, who a detective recognized, was seen punching and kneeing the victim while others stood by and recorded the event. This evidence further solidified Wheeler’s involvement in the assault on the victim. Wheeler was subsequently located by police on Sunday and was taken into custody for his role in the assault.
Wheeler’s interrogation
During Interrogation, Wheeler claimed that he had received a phone call informing him of a drunk individual at a party who refused to leave. He stated that he drove to the residence and went inside intending to escort the individual home.
But he was interrupted by a phone call and had to step outside, at which point he returned inside and was informed by others that the individual was involved in a physical altercation. He also added that the teen tried to strike him while escorting him out, but he was able to avoid the blow and retaliated with a punch. Upon further questioning, Wheeler confessed to losing control of his emotions and actions in the heat of the moment.
As a result, law enforcement took Wheeler into custody and charged him with child abuse without causing serious injury. Although the Okeechobee City Police Chief, Denny Davis, states that his team apprehended the alleged assailant within a day of receiving the video evidence, he expresses frustration of the false accusations that they are attempting to conceal any wrongdoing.
Chief was deeply moved
“One ‘s opinion regarding the video may differ, but it is undoubtedly distressing not only for myself and my fellow officers but also for anyone who has seen it” commented the chief. The police have taken Evadean Dailey Lydecker, a lady who resides in the same house where the incident took place, into custody on charges of contributing to a minor’s delinquency.
We at Nevada Autism Center stand for the well-being and safety of individuals with autism, and we strongly condemn such acts of violence. We hope that justice will be served in this case and the victim receives appropriate support and care to help him recover from this traumatic experience. For Autism support or Quality ABA therapy, don’t hesitate to contact us at NAC.
