FORT LAUDERDALE — A man has been arrested after police say he assaulted a mother and her 12-year-old son, who has disabilities, in a parking lot Tuesday, leaving both victims hospitalized and later released, Fort Lauderdale police said Friday.
Authorities charged Hutch Benjamin, 44, with two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon after the attack near Sunrise Boulevard and Northwest 5th Avenue, according to a police statement and court records.
What police say happened
Police said the suspect approached the pair from behind and began yelling at the boy before striking him with an object that witnesses described as a stick or mallet. When the mother tried to intervene she was also struck in the head, sustaining a serious injury.
"He just said, 'I told you not to come,'"
the mother, who identified herself only as Chrissy, told CBS News Miami before the arrest. She later described how bystanders did not respond as the attack unfolded.
"They didn't care, even if I showed them blood,"
Chrissy said. Both victims were taken to a hospital. The boy suffered internal damage to one eye but doctors expect he will recover his vision; the mother’s injury was non-life-threatening. Both have since been discharged.
Investigation and charges
Fort Lauderdale police have not publicly detailed how investigators located and arrested Benjamin. He faces two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, a felony charge that can carry significant prison time if convicted.
- Suspect: Hutch Benjamin, 44
- Charges: Two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon
- Location: Parking lot near Sunrise Boulevard & NW 5th Ave., Fort Lauderdale
- Victims: Mother and her 12-year-old son (nonverbal; expected to recover vision)
Police have urged anyone who witnessed the attack or who has video of the incident to come forward. Officials did not say whether Benjamin and the victims had any prior connection.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Arrest | Suspect in custody, charged |
| Medical status | Both released from hospital; child expected to recover vision |
| Police appeal | Requesting witnesses and any video |
Community and safety
The attack has drawn attention to the vulnerability of people with disabilities in public spaces and to bystander response in violent incidents. Fort Lauderdale police did not provide further details about motive or whether any additional charges are expected as their investigation continues.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Fort Lauderdale Police Department’s non-emergency line or submit tips through the department’s online portal. Detectives said tips can be given anonymously.
Reporting from Fort Lauderdale for News Block.
