Monessen teen gets special treat after cruel trick

By TAYLOR BROWN
tbrown@yourmvi.com
An autistic Monessen teen who was attacked and had his candy stolen by a group of children while he was trick-or-treating received a special Halloween surprise by a city fire department.
Thanks to the Monessen Hilltop Volunteer Fire Department, James Ray, 16, now has enough treats to last him for quite some time.
The fire department decided to surprise James after learning about his cruel attack.
James was trick-or-treating in Monessen Saturday with his younger brother in the Hilltop neighborhood until his brother got too cold and decided to call it a night.
James, who was dressed as Halloween horror movie villain Michael Myers, decided to stay out a bit longer in his quest for more treats.
After leaving his home, he was walking near the yard of the Monessen Hilltop Volunteer Fire Department when a group of children aggressively attacked him, police said. The group allegedly threw James to the ground, kicked and punched him and stole his Halloween candy.
Monessen police were called to the scene and are still investigating the incident.
When Hilltop fire Chief Delmar Hepple got a call from police to review surveillance cameras at the station, they decided to do more.“Halloween is supposed to be a fun time for our kids,” Hepple said. “We were so upset about what happened to James and wanted to do something to try and make up for his crummy night.”
After getting the OK from James’ parents, Darryl and Jessica, Hilltop firefighters went to work and collected candy, chips, drinks, treats and gift cards.
On Wednesday, James’ parents told him someone wanted to talk to him at the fire department.
While slightly hesitant, James agreed and was greeted by a group of firefighters at the station who led him to a meeting room where a table was stacked with treats for him.
Grinning ear to ear, James, was surprised and appreciative.
His mother, Jessica, said though her son is autistic and takes learning support classes at school, he is very popular among his friends and teachers and has never had problems with students or other neighborhood children.
“When we found out about what happened, we were so sad and scared,” she said. “We just wanted James to be OK. He was not physically hurt aside from a few bruises, but he was shaken up.”
His mother said the group who attacked James comprised young boys and girls. Some of them were carrying baseball bats and continued attacking him once he was on the ground, she said.
Since the incident, the police department and school have been diligently working to ensure his safety.
“We are so grateful to the police department who responded to help and are continuing to investigate and to the school who has been so amazing in making sure he is safe,” she said. “The fire department, what they did today, was incredible. We are just very thankful.”
As members of the department hauled dozens of bags and boxes of goodies to the family car, James got a special ride home.
With horns and sirens blaring, James and his mom were taken home via fire truck Wednesday night by firefighters.
Hepple, sitting in the front of the rig, explained to James what happens inside of the truck during a call. Hepple welcomed him back to the fire department anytime on the condition “he brings some candy along.”
That won’t be a problem since James claims he now has enough candy to last him “the next 12 years.”