Teenage boy attacked while riding his bicycle after being blamed for pandemic

A Saskatoon father says his 15-year-old son was the victim of a racial attack Friday afternoon at a park in Lawson Heights.

In a Facebook post Friday, the boy’s father opened up about the alleged attack at Bishop James P. Mahoney park, posting a video and screenshot of the alleged attacker. 

“My friends, This is the face of a racist,” the Facebook post by Nelson Chen begins. 

“This guy started to curse and yell racial slurs at him as (my son) biked by him. He blamed my son for ‘spreading the virus,'” the post continues.

“My son took a picture of him, and this person chased him, pushed him off his bike, punched him in his helmet and tackled him. My son was shaken but got away without apparent injuries.”

Chen says they did report the incident to Saskatoon police, which the service confirmed in their own Facebook post about the alleged attack. Police said no charges had been laid “at this preliminary stage.”

In an updated post Saturday evening, the boy’s father says Saskatoon police has identified the attacker. Chen says they are continuing to work with Saskatoon Police “on the next steps.” 

The 15-year-old boy also shared a message in the updated post on his father’s Facebook page. 

“I would like to thank each and every person who has liked, shared and commented your support for myself, my family and the entire Asian community during these difficult times,” the boy wrote.

“I am doing well, and am forever grateful for the kindness, and support of the countless people who have stepped up to combat such racism and hate.”

As of Sunday afternoon, the post has been shared over 2,800 times.