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http://www.newsnet5.com/news/local-news/oh-cuyahoga/ice-bucket-challenge-prank-police-identify-suspects-in-assault-say-reward-money-offered-not-needed

 

BAY VILLAGE, Ohio – Bay Village Police have identified suspects they believe dumped a bucket of urine and spit on a teen with special needs in an ice bucket challenge.

Bay Village Police are investigating the incident in which a teen boy with autism was doused in spit and urine in an ice bucket challenge prank.

Over the weekend, comedian Drew Carey tweeted that he will donate $10,000 to help police find the suspects. 

He was then joined by former TV show host Montel Williams.

However, Bay Village Police said that the reward money is not necessary, because they have identified the participants.

Because those involved are believed to be juveniles, police have not released the names of those they believe are involved.

Bay Village Police Chief Mark Spaetzel said police are actively working the case and “are being very thorough in gathering all the necessary facts before presenting to the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office,” Spaetzel added.

Police have more interviews to conduct.

 

“Regarding the celebrities offering rewards to help find who committed this terrible act, reward money is not necessary as we have identified the participants. However, we are grateful for their offers,” Spaetzel said.

Because those involved are believed to be juveniles, the case does not have to go before a grand jury for charges to be filed.

Police can submit their report to the prosecutor, who can file a complaint in juvenile court, which in adult court would be called an indictment.

The victim in the incident was 14 years old at the time, but turned 15 in the last week.

Dean Valore, the attorney for the victim’s family, said there is global support for the teen and his family.

Valore said people have called him from England, Australia, Canada and all over the United States.

Because of the suffering this incident caused the family, Valore said some people have offered to pay for a family vacation.

Valore said the incident is raising awareness for autism and shedding light on bullying.