Police ask for public's help after teen with autism attacked on Richmond basketball court

Richmond RCMP are urging people who saw an "unprovoked" and "shocking" attack, involving a teen with autism on Aug. 21 to come forward.

Police have released a few images from video captured last Friday night on the basketball court at Richmond Secondary School in the 7100 block of Minoru Boulevard. They want help identifying the suspect involved in the alleged assault.

Richmond RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Ian Henderson explained what happened to the 18-year-old victim.

"He had been playing basketball with a group of his friends at the school when he was punched in the face in what appeared to be an unprovoked attack."

Henderson said before the attack, one witness said the suspect was told the teen had a developmental disability.

Police said the victim suffered a significant facial laceration and concussion and was treated in hospital where investigators found him.

Police said he told them that he didn't want to tell his parents because the incident would upset them.

"Understandably the young man is very shaken by this as are his parents," said Henderson.

He said police have a suspect in mind but want more witnesses to come forward.

Father speaks out 

The victim's father, who CBC News is not identifying to protect the identity of his son, is hoping someone who was at the basketball court will give more information to police.

"Everybody knows everybody. I really hope they find a way to remember more and to make a step forward with RCMP."

He and his wife were grocery shopping when the incident happened and came home to find their son bleeding and injured.

"It's heartbreaking ... He said, 'I thought you were going to be angry because I didn't defend myself.'"

He said his son is recovering, but had strong headaches and couldn't sleep properly for the first two to three days.

The teen's father told police that he felt guilty for urging his son to talk to people and forge friendships.

"As long as you are nice and good to them, they'll do the same to you. So maybe I pushed too hard in that, I don't know."