Pocono News Section

Jersey Shore Man To Face Assault Charges

Jersey Shore Man To Face Assault Charges - Wednesday, September 23, 2009 at 5:05PM EST

Reported by: Jeremy Deebel
Wednesday, Sep 23, 2009 @ 05:05pm EDT
Jersey Shore, Lycoming County- A Jersey Shore man faces trial on charges he assaulted a handicapped 12-year-old boy last month.

Police say 18-year-old Tyler Carstetter, along with three juveniles, elbowed and punched the boy in the head and stomach as they rode home on a school bus on September 9th.

Carstetter allegedly threatened more violence if the boy told anyone about the assault.

The victim’s mother, Cindy Maiolo, said, “This is a tragedy. He’s traumatized by this but he’s doing well. He has a lot of support in place. He’s got a lot of family and a lot of friends.”

The victim suffers from Asperger’s Syndrome, a neuro-biological disorder associated with autism.

According to police, the four accused teenagers all attend the PA Treatment and Healing School on Catherine Street in Williamsport. It’s a private school for troubled youth in the area.

People in the community were shocked by the news.

Lori Bartlett, of Elimsport, noted, “Kids can be really mean to one another and teenagers as well. I feel really bad for the kid that got hurt like that. It’s really not fair to him.”

In court Wednesday, the judge held Carstetter for court on charges of simple assault, harassment, and making terroristic threats.

Lycoming County Assistant District Attorney Melissa Kalaus explained, “Obviously personal opinions can’t enter into it but as I said it’s something the D. A.’s office doesn’t take lightly, especially people with disabilities. It’s just not right. You don’t pick on people who are somewhat weaker than you.”

Several students who were on the bus during the alleged assault testified in court.

Police also have another warrant out for Carstetter for an assault on a 13-year-old boy on the same bus the very same day.

Maiolo added, “Those kids shouldn’t be on the bus with my son, or with elementary age children. I do plan on going to the school board meeting at 7pm Monday night to address this concern.”

Calls to officials at both the PA Treatment and Healing School and the Jersey Shore School District went unreturned Wednesday.

Carstetter’s family also declined to comment on the case.