Channel 11 talks to mom, boy with Asperger's attacked in high...

CENTER TOWNSHIP, Pa. — The mother of a teen who was attacked at Central Valley High School last week said she forgives the student who did it, but wants to make sure no other student has to go through what her son did.

Channel 11’s Amy Marcinkiewicz reported that the 14-year-old boy, Zach, was attacked in the school’s cafeteria last Wednesday by a classmate.

“I only remember the first punch,” Zach said Thursday while talking with Marcinkiewicz.

Zach lives with Asperger’s Syndrome and has undergone two open heart surgeries in his life.

Police and Zach’s mother, Rhonda Segar, believe Zach was targeted for no reason.

“This was a seemingly innocent boy having lunch and all of a sudden a teenager came up and started hitting him in the head more than 20 times,” Center Township police Chief Barry Kramer said.

Authorities said the assault was planned, and the entire incident was captured on school surveillance cameras.

“It was very hard to watch,” Segar said of the surveillance video.

However, Segar said she has to forgive the boy who assaulted her son.

“I do feel bad for the boy that did this. I do pray for him every night and I do forgive him, because I’m a Christian. I can’t go around hating someone for that," Segar said.

Segar said when the school called to get Zach, she knew he needed to go to the hospital. Zach was diagnosed with a concussion and some nerve damage.

“It needs to be known that this needs to stop," Segar said. “I don’t like the situation, but I do forgive him.”

School officials said they are cooperating with police and are taking all measures necessary to ensure the safety of the students and staff at the school.

Police said the alleged attacker has been charged as a juvenile with aggravated assault and is currently at a juvenile detention center.

To make a donation to help with Zach’s medical bills, an account has been set up at the Citizens Bank in Hopewell Shopping Plaza. The account is called the Zachary Medical Fund.

WPXI