A sick joke against teen with autism, police identify those responsible for "Ice Bucket Challenge" prank

OHIO (WITI) -- It was a disturbing prank targeting a 15-year-old with autism. His mother called it a sick joke. Now, we're learning police have identified the people involved in a disturbing "Ice Bucket Challenge."

This, according to FOX6's sister station FOX8 in Cleveland.

The 15-year-old Ohio boy thought he was doing the popular Ice Bucket Challenge for ALS, but his parents say other teens put human waste and cigarette butts inside the bucket instead.

***Important Note: The teenager's family asked FOX6's sister station to show the video you'll see below in an effort to make other parents aware of bullying.***

***WARNING: The video you'll see below is disturbing. Viewer discretion is advised.***



Police have now begun a criminal investigation.

This, as Drew Cary and now Jenny McCarthy and Donnie Walberg have pledged $10,000 each in reward money to catch those responsible. Police say while they're grateful for the offer, a reward fund isn't necessary since investigators have identified those involved.

FOX8 talked with a criminal defense attorney and law professor not associated with this case, who said charges against those responsible for this incident could range from misdemeanor assault to disorderly conduct.

The criminal defense attorney says it's not likely this case will qualify as a hate crime, since Ohio law includes hate crimes based on race, religion, or national origin, not disability.

CLICK HERE for more on this story via FOX8 in Cleveland.

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