A Wiffle ball game on April 30 in a Katy-area neighborhood court ended with criminal charges after a man allegedly confronted two 14-year-olds over their language, leaving one teen hurt and another's e-bike damaged.
According to court documents and the Fort Bend County Precinct 1 Constable's Office, 42-year-old Robert Brajenovich approached the boys on Birchwood Meadow Court and later told investigators he was frustrated by what he called their "bad language." He is charged with two counts of injury to a child and one count of criminal mischief and was released on a $31,000 bond, as reported by ABC13.
Tymothe Duret, 14, told reporters the man shouted, "Who said shut the eff up?" before shoving him and taking his bat. His friend, 14-year-old Noah Barrios, said the suspect pushed Barrios' e-bike, causing about $500 in damage. Barrios also said the man slapped a phone out of his hand while his parents and Duret's mother, who recorded part of the confrontation, confronted the man, according to ABC13.
Charges and what they mean
In Texas, injury to a child is set out in Texas Penal Code section 22.04 and can be filed as a felony depending on the harm alleged and the defendant's mental state. Criminal mischief, which covers intentional damage to property such as the reported e-bike damage, is addressed in Texas Penal Code section 28.03, with penalties that increase based on the dollar value of the loss.
Neighbors and next steps
Duret's mother, Gaelle, told local reporters that residents had long been wary of Brajenovich and that "everybody's scared of him," which she said helps explain why neighbors had not pressed charges earlier. The criminal complaint states that Brajenovich corroborated both teens' accounts, and his bond conditions prohibit him from striking a child or an adult. Fort Bend County Precinct 1 is handling the investigation, and the case remains pending in county court.
Police and prosecutors will decide how to proceed with the case at an arraignment. For now, the two teens are back at home, and their families say they want to see accountability. Brajenovich did not answer the door or return messages from reporters, according to local coverage.
