A man was caught on video being attacked by a Sitka teenager. The outraged attacker will not face adult charges

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – After Sitka police confirmed no charges will be filed against the 17-year-old found to have hit a man in a park, the victim is calling for harsher consequences.

Don Helfrich, 59, said he was on his way home from a night of drinking when he was hit by a stranger.

A video shot by a third party at the Sitka skate park circulated online and was eventually brought to the attention of police.

Police said Monday that no adult charges would be filed against the teen in the video and that the Juvenile Justice Division would continue to work the case.

Helfrich spoke by phone with Alaska’s News Source on Friday and repeatedly confirmed that the attack was unprovoked.

In the video used to identify the 17-year-old male suspect – possibly due to Sitka’s small population and familiar community – Helfrich sits on a bench behind the teenager.

“…Basically, what’s about to happen here is a massacre,” the teenager says as he addresses the camera by giving Helfrich an inaudible nickname, then turns, runs toward him and kicks him in the face .

Earlier this week, Sitka police told Alaska’s News Source that they believe Helfrich is experiencing homelessness, but over the phone, Helfrich told Alaska’s News Source that he found shelter with friends and family after becoming unemployed.

The night he was attacked, he was lying unconscious on a park bench.

“I drank that night. I walked from the bar down to the park and passed out in the park,” Helfrich said. “When I woke up I got kicked in the face.”

As the person recording can be heard laughing, the teenager continues to attack; He punches and kicks and lands punches on Helfrich’s head and face until he is knocked to the ground. The teenager then reaches out of Helfrich’s pocket and takes out his wallet.

Helfrich seemed unsure how much of the beating he had witnessed, saying, “I think I woke up in the hospital, [to] Tell yourself the truth.”

“…Shit went black. Really black. From black to really black,” Helfrich said.

More than a week later, Helfrich is still hurting. According to him, his broken nose and other injuries he sustained are taking more than just physical toll.

“I’m losing my job, I’m losing damn teeth … You haven’t seen the half of it,” Helfrich said, later citing injuries to his hands as another source of pain.

“You have to see my damn hands,” Helfrich said, “My hands are damned from covering my face.”

According to Sitka police officials and Helfrich himself, the teenager in the video has a good reputation among local residents – a reputation that was known to police when the video was sent out by concerned citizens. His juvenile status prevented his name from being published and, according to Sitka police, he will not face charges because he is of legal age.

If the 17-year-old is found to be a juvenile delinquent (similar to guilty), he could face probation or institutionalization.

On the phone, Helfrich called for extreme disciplinary measures and described the teenager as mentally ill.

“He needs to get off the streets…you know, in my opinion they could throw him in jail,” Helfrich said.

Pam Chinell, Helfrich’s sister, is also upset about the possible lack of consequences.

Chinall said many members of the Sitka community are angry about the violence in the area.

“It’s ridiculous and very shameful,” Chinell said.

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