A Texas teenager admitted to randomly punching unsuspecting victims in public for social media consideration, claiming he “simply made a mistake” as police launched an investigation into the violent assaults.
Alford Lewis, 19, was captured on video strolling on a path at Wortham Park in Houston attacking at the very least two individuals as they loved their day on the park, KHOU 11 reported.
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office launched a probe quickly after the disturbing video was posted on social media and shared on the neighborhood watch app Nextdoor to determine the suspect.
The video sparked rage and concern among the many park’s frequent guests who wished motion taken towards the shameless suspect.
Lewis has since come clear about his wrongdoings.
“You know, I simply made a mistake and everyone makes errors,” the teenager admitted after being tracked down and confronted outdoors his residence, not removed from the park, by the outlet.
Lewis shared that he dedicated the outrageous string of assaults to get likes and views for YouTube and TikTok channels.
“I actually didn’t count on for it to go so left, you realize,” he mentioned.
None of the victims within the viral video combat again after being accosted by the teenager — and appear extra startled after being hit.
Lewis mentioned that the video solely highlights the “dangerous half” of his actions and doesn’t present what occurs after.
“What individuals don’t see is that I shook his hand after and gave the person a hug,” he claimed.
Lewis shared that his dad and mom have been upset by his habits after discovering what occurred.
The video acquired a backlash of harsh reactions as a result of its unprovoked, violent nature.
“Before you exit and do something you are feeling is dangerous, or that would look dangerous, ensure that, like, individuals know – or simply don’t do it in any respect,” Lewis suggested others about doing one thing comparable for clout.
It’s unclear if any of the victims have pressed costs towards the teenager for his violent acts, based on the outlet.
“It’s a pleasant quiet neighborhood, so I’m slightly stunned somebody’s that brazen to come back up and hit any person with out warning or with out motive,” an unnamed resident who says he walks within the park 4 days per week instructed the outlet.
Lewis’s actions spotlight a disturbing trend among the youth who seek to gain online fame.
In August, Philadelphia TV information anchor Bob Kelly sported a visibly swollen eye whereas on the air after being sucker punched in an attack he blamed on a TikTok challenge.
“It was a daunting, disturbing occasion that apparently was incited by this TikTok problem — just like what you noticed occur to Cardi B, with the water and being videoed,” Kelly mentioned.