Teenager held responsible after violent attack on elderly worker at rap concert

Charges Filed Against Teen in Assault on Elderly Worker

A teenager accused of violently attacking an elderly employee during a rap concert in Kansas City has finally been charged, over a week after the incident.

On Tuesday, the juvenile office of the Jackson County 16th Judicial Circuit announced it had filed one felony assault and one misdemeanor assault charge against the suspect, who is under 16 years old, as reported by WDAF-TV.

A mobile phone video that went viral captured the shocking moment when the young man knocked down 66-year-old Thomas Schlange and proceeded to hit him multiple times in the face and head during the NBA Youngboy concert at the T-Mobile Center on September 21.

According to the T-Mobile Center’s spokesperson, the staff member was “severely injured” and required treatment at a local hospital after being tended to by on-site first aid personnel.

Officer Arena Gonzalez from the Kansas City Police relayed that the teenager was initially detained and later released to a guardian while an investigation continued. Detectives have since filed case files in juvenile court to determine appropriate charges.

In the video, Schlange can be seen trying to fend off the aggressive teenager, but the assault was relentless, with Schlange ultimately pinned between two rows of seats.

Schlange later recounted to WDAF how he hit his head during the incident, expressing a desire to protect the audience. He mentioned, “I just thought, I need to get him off me… He was so furious.” Witnesses and local pastor Robert McDaniel said the attack ensued after the teen was asked to move because his ticket didn’t correspond to the seat he was occupying.

The only person who intervened to stop the attack was Antonio Crater, who explained that he recognized Schlange was simply doing his job. Crater recalled, “It wasn’t even an emotional response; it was just something I had to do.” He emphasized the importance of having values and morals, stating, “You can’t grow up with that type of mentality.”

Reflecting on the incident and the charges filed, Schlange expressed sadness over the entire situation, emphasizing the crucial lessons of restraint, cooperation, and respect.