A woman was questioned Tuesday about allegations of shoving a 16-year-old boy with autism for taking photos of her and a male companion in Newport Beach, police said.
The woman was not arrested, but may face misdemeanor charges as police turn over evidence to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, according to Jennifer Manzella of the Newport Beach Police Department. Police expect to question the man who was with her shortly, she added.
“Because this was a misdemeanor committed outside the presence of a police officer, we can’t make an arrest on it,” Manzella said. “She’s cooperative, though, and will be subject to any filing the DA ends up filing once they review the case.”
Police declined to release the woman’s name because she has not been arrested and the case is ongoing, Manzella said.
The teen was in the back seat of a vehicle in the 1800 block of Balboa Boulevard about 7:25 p.m., Sept. 17, when the incident occurred, Manzella said.
The boy’s mother was in a home nearby and two adult companions were seated outside, Manzella said. The teen was using an iPad to take photos, something he often enjoys doing, Manzella said.
The woman and man were walking by when he took their picture, prompting the woman to yell at him before shoving him multiple times, Manzella said.
The two adults ran over to intervene when they heard a ruckus and explained to the woman and man that the boy has autism, Manzella said.
After police were called the woman and man walked away, but then returned shortly to holler at the group again, Manzella said.
Police asked for the public’s help tracking down the man and woman involved in the altercation, which led investigators to the woman today, Manzella said.
–City News Service