Violence erupted at the Brooksville Youth Academy, a facility providing treatment programs for male youth with mental health and behavioral needs, where several juveniles were charged with battery on Sunday. According to a social media post from the Hernando County Sheriff's Office, deputies were sent to the scene after a juvenile victim reported being attacked by other residents.
The incident occurred just before 4 p.m. at the academy, which is situated on 201 Culbreath Road in Brooksville. Being physically struck by several individuals, the victim, in an effort to protect himself, assumed the fetal position. He remained as such until the staff intervened, putting an end to the altercation. He was later treated for multiple visible injuries, including contusions to the head, shoulder, and face by medical staff on-site. Following treatment, the Department of Juvenile Justice was informed of the incident by the victim.
A staff member, in a statement given to authorities, confirmed that the juvenile victim was battered by numerous other residents, noting that there was no prior altercation observed before the group targeting the victim. The staff member also played a role in separating the fight and transporting the victim to the academy's medical unit. During the questioning, several juveniles admitted their involvement in the altercation.
