What do you do if your neighbor's 11 yr. old son pointed a weapon at your 8 yr. old son?

Question

It was a real bow and arrow. He has also hit him in the head with rocks and always cussing at him (He has to pass his house on the way to other friends houses and has been told to ignore him and say nothing and if he does anything to come home and tell us). The mother is in total denial of any problem with her son. Other neighbors have had to call Sheriff on him but he's still a nuisance to others. Mother has also called Sheriff to other neighbor claiming "false" harrassment. He has pushed down and cussed out a 5 yr. old girl and another 8 yr. old girl that lives near him (cussed her out). I've already had to talk to his mother once last year and she acted numb and uncaring and then the boy yells at his mother that he didn't do anything wrong and she just takes it and says nothing. Sorry to rant but this has got to stop. I'm afraid for our neighboring children as well.

I already called Sheriff but he didn't make a report just told them to stay away from each other (gee thanks I had already told him that). I don't want the 8 yr old to feel like a prisoner in his own neighborhood.

Also no father in the home. He left a few years ago.

Our other neighbor had video footage of him pushing his daughter down and cussing at her but sheriff didn't even bother to look at it, but, this was before all this major stuff came up too.

Great Suggestions so far! Thanks a million! I'm going to contact my other neighbors this evening and start compiling our evidence.

Answer 1

This kid needs to be intervened before he hurts or kills someone - he is developing serious issues and is on his way to becoming a murderer.

Tell everyone to start filing police reports for EACH time something happens; the parents might not like it, but if they won't discipline this kid, someone elses kid might get maimed or killed as soon as this brat feels the urge to actually fire a weapon or take a second swing with that rock.

With police reports as a record, the state will intervene, or, at the worst (God forbid), you have grounds to sue the parents or the state if your kid gets severely injured or killed.

Answer 2

There is a domestic problem in the family. The boy is venting out onto those smaller than him because he is receiving some type of harsh or unloving discipline from his mom and/or dad. And certainly, if this is a single mom where a father is absent in the life of the boy, all the more impacting on the boy.

While justice may solve the symptom at best, the root problem is the parenting. Fix the parental skills, the boy will change. Attempting to merely fix the boy's behavior without addressing what is causing his societal misbehavior (e.g. dysfunctional parenting) is like using a sponge to wipe the drips of a leaky faucet - the drip still comes out.

Answer 3

Oh yes you can do something about it!!!!! I was going to ask if there was any way to video tape.... Go to your county court house and either go to the District Attorney's office, or the Juvinille Court Office! There is proven evidence of this child being a potential more serious offender. Bring copies of all ya'lls police reports. I don't know the whole legal system protocal, but I would start at Your County Court House!! Department of Human Resorces, Food Stamp Office, someone will give you a name I am sure, you show them the video! Hope something is done before a child fatality occurs!!!!p.s. here where I live, the Sherriff is County, Try your City police dept.

Answer 4

If talking to his mother didn't help, you should call the authorities. In my opinion, if the child acts like that and the parent seems not to notice or care, there is probably abuse or neglect (or both) in the home. Have your son avoid the boy as much as possible. Document everything that happens that is out of the ordinary. take pictures if you have to. Build up a strong case for when the police or child protective services come around. And good luck! It sounds like a tough battle. Move away, if you can.

Answer 5

Keep calling the Sheriff - if you get nowhere on this - here is another option:

Once you have the collected evidence (video/photo's), go to the local TV News and/or newpaper and tell them that you local Sheriff's office is not helping. Nothing gets the someone's attention faster then showing up with a camera crew and a reporter asking questions.

Answer 6

I would go down to the police station. What that boy did with the bow and arrow is called assault. He could have killed your son. I would also not let my child walk by his house anymore. The police could arrest that boy and take the bow and arrow into their possession. The boy could be also charged with battery because of hitting him in the head with rocks. I would also get a restraining order to make sure that boy will not come near your son when he is on his own property. That boy needs to get help. He is probably going to end up in jail as an adult because his parent is not getting him the help he needs now.

Answer 7

This child is a bully and learned this behavior somewhere. I am not surprised that his parents are not helpful or concerned. Although you say that the Police (sheriff) haven't helped you, you should discuss it with them again, ask for a superior, if you have to. If a child is hitting another child in the head with rocks, or using a weapon in a threatening manner, the police will respond. Talk with the school, too, so they are aware of the situation. Most schools have a zero tolerance policy on violence. Talk to an attorney about your legal rights. Finally, read up on dealing with bullies, so you can use this opportunity to teach your child about tolerance and the proper ways to stand up for yourself.

Answer 8

Too bad you can lie in wait with a video camera and catch this kid in action on tape. If I were you, keep calling the cops to keep a record of this child's behavior. If you are really concerned and want to show this mother you guys are really serious, you and your neighbors should call (separately) Child Protective Services. The child has access to dangerous weapons, is not being supervised by his parents and is therefore a danger to himself and other children. If the monster does hurt one of the children (even a bump on the head), take the child to the emergency room and send the bill to the mother. That will send a clear message that you are serious and deem her liable for her monster's actions. Maybe she'll keep a shorter leash on him if she knows you guys will come after her.

Answer 9

Call family services on her and tell the parents of the other children being harrassed to do the same. Something is going on there for an 11 year old to be acting that way. Is his dad in the home as well? This kid is angry about something, and someone needs to find out what it is before he turns into a serial killer.

Answer 10

My son is a subject to being bullied at school, but now that he's 13 his attitude has developed into "I'm better than all of them...." and it's easier for him to ignore the harrassment.
The neighbors whose children are victim to this juvenile delinquent should get together as a group and confront the mother.
If nothing changes after this, persistently call your local Dept. of Youth and Family Services. Something is not right in that family...............good luck