11-Year-Old Charged in Julian Bullying

An 11-year-old boy accused of hitting, tripping and bruising a female classmate at has been charged with battery, authorities said.

According to police reports, the 11-year-old struck another child in the face during school on May 19 at Percy Julian Middle School, prompting outrage from the 13-old-victim's mother,

Police Cmdr. LaDon Reynolds said the school's resource officer, a sworn member of the police department who splits time between the village's two middle schools, led the investigation and worked with school officials and both sets of parents — an inquiry which eventually led to the battery charge.

"In juvenile matters, our primary concern is for the well-being of all people involved," Reynolds said. "[The charge] isn't a punitive thing, it's about learning. Getting all of the parents involved is for the benefit of the community."

Citing school policies, District 97 officials refused comment on discipline measures against the boy. After the incident, Supt. Al Roberts issued a statement and were letting police handle the matter.

According to District 97's Effective Student Behavior Handbook, the boy violated a "serious misconduct" policy, which can carry a penalty of suspension or expulsion.

The boy was able to finish the school year before turning himself into police June 9, authorities said. He was turned over to a parent and referred to Cook County Juvenile Court.