BOSTON — Teen Attack: A small Massachusetts town has rallied around Christopher “Ducky” Anderson, a beloved community member with developmental disabilities, following a brutal attack by a group of teenagers last month.
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Charges Filed Against Teenagers
Four teenagers have been charged in connection with the assault. Three 15-year-olds and a 14-year-old were indicted this week, the Essex County District Attorney’s Office announced on Tuesday. Warrants have also been issued for two additional juveniles allegedly involved.
Anderson was hospitalized with broken ribs and other injuries after the teens reportedly lured him into the woods, where they kicked him and threw a bicycle on him.
Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker stated that city detectives and school police officers collaborated closely to identify the teen attack suspects and bring them to justice. Due to their ages, The Associated Press has withheld the names of the accused teens.
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Community Support for Anderson
The attack has galvanized the community in Danvers, a town of over 28,000 residents. Local firefighters visited Anderson to show their support, and a fundraiser was organized to assist him.
Residents have praised Anderson for his friendly and familiar presence in town, describing him as an integral part of the community.
Danvers Police Chief Jamie Lovell expressed gratitude to Anderson, his family, and the community for their “unwavering support, patience, and understanding during this challenging process.”
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Community Demands Action
Days after the attack, concerned residents filled a Select Board meeting, demanding stricter action against a group of local teens they described as “running amok.”
Several residents spoke during the meeting, including Anderson, who fought back tears as he pleaded for more protection.
“It just breaks my heart every day,” he said. “And I can’t sleep at night. It’s hard. Can you guys do more for me, please?”
Anderson’s mother, Antoinette Anderson, also addressed the board, expressing frustration over the lack of control over the teens responsible for nearly killing her son.
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A Silver Lining in Community Support
Despite the ordeal, Antoinette later shared her gratitude for the overwhelming community support.
“I cannot believe how well they have treated him,” she told NBC10 Boston.
The outpouring of compassion has highlighted the town’s commitment to standing by Anderson and ensuring such incidents are not repeated.
