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In a startling incident last month, a Georgia resident was taken into custody after being filmed pushing two children on bicycles into water fountains at a park in Sandy Springs.
The individual, identified as Stephen Catterton, was captured on February 28 video footage strolling past the fountains before pausing as two boys approached on bikes. He then forcefully pushed one child into a fountain on one side of the path and the other towards a fountain on the opposite side. The second child had a close call, nearly striking his head against a wall encircling the fountain. Fortunately, both boys were equipped with helmets.
Nearby, a man and a woman, who had been walking in the vicinity of Catterton, rushed to help the boys while Catterton continued on his way. Although the woman seemed to attempt to walk past, there is no confirmation on whether they were acquainted with Catterton. However, they were seen conversing with him just prior to the incident. Witnesses mentioned to the police that Catterton attended a nearby concert.
The Sandy Springs Police apprehended him at the concert’s location shortly after the event.
In footage released from a police body camera, Catterton can be heard questioning the grounds for his arrest.
“For assaulting juveniles,” an officer responds. “We have it on video.”
The kids “ran right at me,” Catterton replies.
“Sir, we watched the video. You can tell that to the judge,” the officer says.
“Pushing kids off bicycles is not only unacceptable, it’s also a quick way to meet our officers,” the police department said on Facebook. “If Mr. Catterton happens to be your neighbor, you may want to use caution.”
Police did not say what charges Catterton faces.