Elementary Schooler Avoids Punishment After Throwing Kickboard From Apartment

An elementary school student who threw a kickboard from a high-rise apartment and damaged a vehicle has avoided punishment because they are under the age of criminal responsibility.

According to the Gwangju Gwangsan Police Station on October 29, the police closed the case on October 16 regarding elementary school student A, who had been under pre-booking investigation on charges of property damage.

Student A is accused of throwing a kickboard from the 10th floor or higher of an apartment building in Usan-dong, Gwangsan-gu, down to the 1st floor on June 13, damaging a nearby parked vehicle.

No one was injured as there were no passersby at the time, but the police launched an investigation around the area following a report from the vehicle owner.

The police identified student A through closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage capturing A inspecting the vehicle after the kickboard fell, as well as A's name written on the kickboard, and continued their investigation.

Student A reportedly stated during the pre-booking investigation that they threw the kickboard out of curiosity.

Although the vehicle was damaged by the kickboard thrown by student A, A will not face criminal punishment because individuals under the age of 14 are not subject to criminal liability under current law.

Those aged 10 and older and under 14 are classified as juveniles under protection and can receive protective measures under the Juvenile Act, but those under 10 are also excluded from protective measures.

A police official stated, "Although criminal punishment is not possible, the issue of civil liability for damages resulting from the vehicle's destruction remains," adding, "We understand that student A's parents and the vehicle owner are currently discussing compensation."

(Photo provided by Gwangju Provincial Police Agency, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.