Teen pleads guilty to Flint 'knockout game' bus attack, charges dismissed against second teen
FLINT, MI -- One teen has pleaded guilty to charges stemming from an attack on a Mass Transportation Authority bus driver that police attributed to a so-called "knockout game" that has garnered national attention.
The teen, who is not being named because he was charged as a juvenile, pleaded guilty to assault with intent to commit great bodily harm for the Jan. 23 attack, Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton said Wednesday, April 2.
The charges carry a maximum sentence of 10 years in custody but the longest the juvenile system allows the suspect to be held is until he is 21.
The bus incident occurred around 6:40 p.m. when a man was attacked while driving the bus in Flint.
Police originally said the incident occurred because one of the suspects was upset about having to pay a bus fare, but further investigation showed it was a planned attack, said Flint police Capt. Collin Birnie.
"This was planned, orchestrated and filmed," he said.
The driver suffered several facial injuries, according to police.
Charges against the 16-year-old who filmed the attack were dismissed because Leyton said his office was unable to show that he actually encouraged the assault.
Attorney Nicholas R. Robinson said his client, who is not named because he was charged as a minor, was not associated with the attacks.
"It was a very unfortunate situation but we're thankful all parties were able to come together to dismiss the charges," Robinson said.
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Teen pleads guilty to Flint 'knockout game' bus attack, charges dismissed against second teen