Scott Sakajian charged after being caught on camera slapping 10-year-old autistic boy

Scott Sakajian was charged with willful cruelty to a child and battery on a person.

Wednesday, July 17, 2024 12:02 a.m.

A man was shocked by what an autistic boy allegedly did to his vehicle, but his reaction, caught on video, has drawn fierce criticism.

ARLETA, LOS ANGELES (KABC) — Charges were filed Thursday against the man who was caught on camera slapping an autistic boy in the face in Arleta.

Scott Sakajian has been charged with willful cruelty to a child and battery on a person, according to the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office.

NOTE: The video above is from a previous report on this story.

The video, which sparked outrage on social media, shows Alfredo Morales, 10, sitting on a bus bench with his older sister when Sakajian slaps him.

The boy allegedly damaged the Mercedes emblem on the front of his car. The boy’s family lives in a broken SUV parked in Arleta.

Sakajian’s court appearance is scheduled for Friday, Aug. 2, at the San Fernando Valley Courthouse.