Graphic video shows teen defending visually impaired classmate being bullied

HUNTINGTON BEACH (FOX 11) - A Huntington Beach High School teen beat up a boy minutes after he hit a visually impaired student Wednesday during lunch hour, and the video of it has gone viral.

"I really didn't want to hit him, but when you punch a blind kid, that's what made me so mad," said Cody Pines, the former football player who stepped in.

Cody says he didn't have to think twice about doing it.

"I've always watched videos of bullies beating up kids and getting away with it and to me...I've always been the kid that says 'If that ever happens with me around...it's never going to go down like that," said Cody.

It didn't go down well. Students say Noah, the kid seen punching the other kid, Austin, in the video, was bleeding and looked disorientated.

"I kinda regretted it, but I kinda didn't," said Cody. "Because if I didn't, Austin would have been way more hurt. He probably would have been the one with stitches instead of the kid."

The video received hundreds of thousands of views within just 24 hours. It's a video that has serious consequences too.

Huntington Beach Police arrested Noah Thursday for misdemeanor battery, then released him to his parents.

It was a move that surprised even Cody.

"If you arrested a kid, that's going to ruin his life. I don't want him to ruin his life," said Cody.

What Cody does want is for the video to help people get to know Austin.

"I hope everyone hangs out with him now shows him love, because Austin deserves it honestly - he's a cool kid," said Cody.

On Friday morning, thousands of people were rallying behind Cody in an online petition claiming he was suspended under a strict zero-tolerance policy against violence. However, Huntington Beach High School said neither student was suspended on Friday.

School officials said they were in the process of conducting an investigation to make a decision with the board of education if either student would face suspension.

Huntington Beach Union High School District issued a statement Thursday saying they believe the fight, which occurred around 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, was an isolated incident.

"Huntington Beach High School firmly believes that all students are afforded an opportunity to learn in a safe and secure environment. Because of this, safety is the highest priority,'' the statement said. "Huntington Beach
High School has a very strong anti-bullying code of conduct and will not condone this type of behavior from any student.''

News