Global Courant 2023-05-14 06:03:46
An Arizona couple say they are seeking justice after their autistic son was beaten up at a pizzeria last week.
Vincent Courey, 16, is a nonverbal autistic teen who went to eat pizza on May 7 at the Peoria restaurant where his brothers work. His parents say he tapped someone on the shoulder while watching others play games.
“He’s nonverbally autistic,” says Vincent’s mother, Debora Escobar. told FOX 10 Phoenix. ‘He means no harm. That’s his form of communication.’
A group of customers were reportedly offended by the gesture and beat up the helpless teen.
“They took him to the corner where there are no cameras and no one can see, and they beat him up and then tried to leave the scene,” explains Vincent’s father, Michael Escobar.
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Vincent Courey, 16, is a nonverbal autistic teen who went to eat pizza at a restaurant in Peoria before being attacked. (FOX 10 Phoenix)
“My son, he can’t talk and they kept beating him,” Deborah said. “They kept hitting him. He couldn’t say stop. He couldn’t say ‘please, this hurts me.’ He just stood there helpless and they kept beating him.”
Michael was at the restaurant and called the police when he heard two parties shouting at each other. He didn’t realize his son had touched anyone until later told.
“I think it’s not my son to do that, you know. The way they said it, they made it look like it was an inappropriate touch,” Michael said.
According to Debora, Vincent came home covered in welts.
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Vincent’s mother Debora said that her non-verbal son came home covered in welts from the confrontation. (FOX 10 Phoenix)
“I don’t know how else you can’t keep hurting someone, if they can’t even say stop,” she said.
Peoria police told Fox News Digital they have identified a suspect, but the man, a 24-year-old from El Mirage, has not yet been arrested.
Although police have recommended an assault charge to Peoria District Court, Vincent’s parents say they will continue to fight for their son.
“The officer was still like, we can’t arrest anyone today, and I said what do you mean? He’s a minor and these are adults, how can you just let this go?” said Deborah.
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The Peoria Police Department has confirmed with Fox News Digital that they have identified the suspect they believe assaulted Vincent. (FOX 10 Phoenix)
“I forgive them, but at the same time, forgiveness doesn’t mean you can’t run from being held accountable,” added Michael.
