"The public has to be protected:" FOX6 learns of second incident involving Waukesha school intruder



WAUKESHA -- Last week, he stormed his way into Lowell Elementary School in Waukesha and hit several people. Now, we're learning that wasn't the first time this 17-year-old physically assaulted someone. Just days before the incident at Lowell, police say he wandered into a rec center and slapped two teachers.

Schuetze Rec Center in Waukesha



It was a quiet afternoon at the Schuetze Rec Center in Waukesha.

"We had just finished with our bridge group," Jim Karius remembers.

Karius was just cleaning up when he heard loud noises from the front door.

"I could hear hollering, screaming and banging on the glass doors," Karius said.

Waukesha police say the boy at the door had wandered into the building on September 24th. Officials say the 17-year-old allegedly struck a staff member and slapped two teachers before being locked out.

"He had roughed some women up," Karius said.

Schuetze Rec Center in Waukesha



Police arrived, but the teen wasn't arrested. We're told he had an autistic episode, and can barely communicate with anyone.

Karius was surprised to learn just days later, on September 29th, police say the same boy forced his way into Lowell Elementary School -- hitting two clerical workers inside, and punching Lydia Dischler in the face as he left the building.

Lydia Dischler



"Instantly my lips swelled up. I started to bleed from my mouth," Dischler said.

Both incidents appear to be random -- with the teen striking without any warning, but its unlikely the boy will ever face criminal charges.

"What does that mean? How often can he do this?" Karius said.

The Waukesha County district attorney tells FOX6 News prosecutors won't be able to prove intent because of the teen's cognitive disability.

The district attorney says the boy wouldn't even have a recollection of either event. But still, some feel more needs to be done.

Lowell Elementary School



"The public has to be protected," Karius said.

The district attorney says there are other interventions occurring outside the criminal justice system -- like behavioral health help, to monitor and assist the boy.

We're told by police his grandmother is his primary caregiver.

Police say they are not aware of any other incidents involving the boy.

FOX6 News is not naming the boy, because he is a minor and wasn't charged with a crime.