Southwest Florida Teens Videotaped Kicking of 72-Year-Old Man

The 15-year-old girl faces two battery charges.

A southwest Florida community is rallying around a 72-year-old man this holiday season after authorities say a teenager kicked him while her friend videotaped it.

Lee County Sheriff's officials said a 15-year-old high school basketball player and several teammates were walking through a neighborhood when they spotted Robert Lerberg gardening last month.

Authorities say the teen kicked Lerberg from behind and laughed, while another videoed it. The assault outraged county residents. Authorities say the teen also allegedly knocked on another senior's door that day and slapped the victim in the face. She faces two felony battery charges. The Associated Press is not naming the suspect because she is a minor.

The News-Press reports several companies are donating gardening materials and labor; and one person bought Lerberg a Christmas tree.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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