A Michigan court tried a Detroit teen as an adult on Monday for the severe beating of a man who accidentally struck a 10-year-old child with his vehicle last week.
Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy charged 17-year-old Bruce Wimbush with assault with intent to murder and assault with intent to do bodily harm, according to Reuters.
54-year-old motorist Steve Utash remained in critical condition at St. John Hospital and Medical Center on Monday, after he was beaten by a group of witnesses last Wednesday.
Passerby watched as 10-year-old David Harris stepped off a curb in front of a Clark gas station on the city's east side last week. According to Detroit Police Sgt. Michael Woody, it appeared the driver hit the child at about 4:10 p.m., then pulled over and exited the vehicle to check on the victim. Residents of the neighborhood who watched the crash then reportedly assaulted him.
The child survived with no broken bones.
Police said the crowd of about 10 to 12 bystanders, Wimbush among them, mauled Utash, causing him multiple serious injuries.
"The facts of this case are unbelievably tragic," Worthy wrote in the statement.
Wimbush and one other teen were taken into custody over the weekend.
The other suspect, a 16-year-old, hasn't yet been charged.
Utash's daughter Felicia said her family was devastated by the attack.
"What happened to my dad is a shame," Felicia wrote on Facebook. "He was doing the right thing like he always does. He's a tree trimmer for a living and makes sure all the squirrels are out of a tree bfore he cuts it down. He's an amazing dad and person. He's very loved, and those kids should be ashamed."
Police said the car crash was an accident, and no charges will be brought against Utash.
Utash currently doesn't have health insurance, and his family has organized a fundraiser to help pay for medical costs.
Supporters have reportedly raised at least $119,000 as of Monday afternoon through GoFundMe, Reuters reported.
