29 October 2023 , 17:41
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A teenager has issued an apology after getting caught randomly sucker-punching complete strangers at a local park - and filming it for social media attention.
Police began an investigation after a copy of a video was posted to a neighbourhood app called 'NextDoor'. The video, originally seen on TikTok, featured Alford Lewis, 19, as he ran around Wortham Park, in the Cypress area, in Texas, viciously pouncing on people and punching them in the face.
The video shows Lewis, wearing a red hoodie and sneakers, coming up behind a figure clad in blue and jumping on their back. There was another similar altercation with another man, and finally, In the third assault, the teen tackled a man at the waist. The Harris County Sheriff’s Office's investigation led them to Lewis - who immediately came clean and apologised.
In the comments on the app, angry park visitors demanded justice and repercussions. However, Lewis, a 19-year-old, gave a statement to cameras right outside his mother's house explaining that he regrets his actions and that the stunt was 'a prank' to get likes on TikTok.
"I just made a mistake and everybody makes mistakes," Lewis told WFAA. "I really didn't expect for it to go so left, you know. I know from the video all you see is the bad part about it. But what people don't see is that I shook his hand after and gave the man a hug," added Lewis.
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Trying to get likes on TikTik may spurn more dangerous behaviour, according to officials (Youtube/KHOL 11)
Teenager caught assaulting strangers at park said that it 'was a prank' and he 'hugged' the individuals involved (Youtube/KHOL 11)Parkgoers expressed their shock at the violence directed towards people to ABC13: "That's not cool to come up to someone to punch them in the head for no reason," Deandrea Crossland said. "It's just ridiculous. Obviously, something is wrong with that person," Michael Patrick, who walks his dogs at the park, said.
"He's 19. He's of age. He knows right from wrong. That's assault," Frankie Jimenez told the news outlet. "We hope he gets the help he needs. Also, spends time in jail for something very dangerous. It could have been much worse than it was," Patrick said.
The teen made a statement to various media outlets insisting he 'didn't mean' any harm (Youtube/KHOL 11)Lewis told another outlet: "It was a prank. I had no problem with the man. I wasn't trying to hurt him. I was hanging out with my friend, and we did a TikTok (video), and so, yeah, I didn't mean it, didn't mean to harm anybody," Lewis texted to KTRK News, per the outlet.
Lewis said his parents were 'disappointed' when they found out about the video. Lewis said he learned his lesson and advised others: "Before you go out and do anything you feel is bad, or that could look bad, make sure, like, people know – or just don't do it at all.".
Lewis has not yet been charged (Youtube/KHOL 11)The HCSO Violent Crimes Division said they are investigating the video but the teen has not currently been charged with any crimes. The state or the individuals involved may decide to press charges or not in this case.