Support offered to family of teen who assaulted elderly woman

After seeing media reports, the parents of a teen who grabbed an elderly woman in Brunswick have reached out to police, who are helping the boy with autism find support.

The victim was forced against this garage door before the boy fled down the alleyway. Picture: Josh Barnes

The family of a 16-year-old autistic boy who assaulted an elderly woman in Brunswick is receiving support after coming forward to police.

The 69-year-old victim, Jan, was walking to the Brunswick library about 10.15am on July 10 when she was grabbed in a bear hug and pushed against a garage door.

The Brunswick resident said she felt like she was being crushed during the incident on Edmends St and threatened to scream before being released.

Jan said the boy then asked her what football team she supported before he ran down a nearby alleyway.

The victim Jan said she was wrapped in a bear hug. Picture: Josh Barnes

After seeing media reports last week, Brunswick police Senior Sergeant Michael Moloney said the boy’s family contacted police.

He said the boy, who has autism, and his family would receive further support.

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“We’re grateful to his family for assisting police,” Sgt Moloney said.

“The fact that this has come to light has been a benefit to them.”

No charges have been laid.