Chase Coleman, aged 15, an autistic African-American student was pushed on the ground while participating in a race by a man, Martin MacDonald aged 57.
Chase was participating in a race on 14th of October for Syracuse.
The incident was witnessed by a lady, also running in the park, who informed the police when she found Chase, lying on the road.
According to the witness, Chase was shoved by a white man, later identified as Martin MacDonald. Mr MacDonald, apparently, got out of his car and pushed Chase Colemanto the ground, yelling “Get out of here”, at him.
As per police reports Mr MacDonald thought Chase was attempting to mug his wife. Mrs Martin was in the vehicle during the incident.
Mr MacDonald assumed Chase to be a mugger from a recent experience of having his car broken into; additionally, Chase failed to move away from the road, when he had asked him to previously.
Chase has been running for Syracuse West cross-country team for three years now.
Clarise, the young teen’s mother was present during the Rochester race, as she had been in all his races. She informed News 10NBC, “He’s going around the reservoir and was taking a little longer than usual, so I just started calling his name… a young lady came up to me and asked, ‘Are you looking for one of your runners?'”
The lady informed her that she found on of the runners on the ground after being pushed by a white man, who got out of his car, after trying to get past the runner.
The police successfully tracked Mr. Martin after getting license plate information from Clarise and another man who helped Chase.
Clarise has sympathy for the recent experience of Mr MacDonald, however, she has decided to press charges, given Chase is underage and autistic.
However, no charges were pressed as police did not receive a signed statement and they failed to acquire a warrant against Mr MacDonald.
The police have assured Clarise, as soon as they would get a signed statement from her, they would press fresh charges on Mr. Martin.
I am Ash and I celebrate Neurodiversity! Growing up with an elder brother with severe Autism was tough – but it has also taught me essential life lessons. I don’t believe that people with Autism are necessarily or have any disorder (except in extreme cases). They are just different! And that is something to be proud of! I am passionate about helping other families who may have Autism conditions in their family. So please reach out and drop me a note. I will be glad to help 🙂
