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49 °F 5 Day Forecast Saturday, November 29, 2003 Today's News | Classifieds | Autos | Homes | Jobs | Tempo | eSouthernOregon | Home Delivery SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map EXTRA Newspaper in Education Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People CLASSIFIEDS Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Find a Rental Place an ad eSouthernOregon Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar CUSTOMER SERVICE Frequent Questions Advertising Information Home Delivery Employment Contact Us Media Kit Network Affiliate Email Story to a Friend November 21, 2003 12-year-old accused of attack has a history of charges By SANNE SPECHT Mail Tribune ROGUE RIVER — Police said a 12-year-old boy who allegedly tried to smother his half-sister already had nearly a dozen charges filed against him. Rogue River Police Chief Ken Lewis said the boy, whom he declined to name, was under house arrest when he attacked his half-sister Monday night. "This is a kid who shows no impulse control, no sense of right or wrong," said Lewis. The boy pulled the 10-year-old girl’s shirt over her head, pinched her nose shut with one hand and clamped the other over her mouth in an attempt to smother her, police said. Advertisement The girl kicked free and ran to a neighbor’s house with the boy chasing her. She told the neighbors of the attack at about 10:45 p.m. About 45 minutes later, the boy allegedly admitted to beating his sister and asked to borrow a rifle to kill a skunk. The neighbors reported the incident to police on Tuesday. Within three hours of the report, police spotted the boy and his mother at a local gas station. The mother denied the allegations and said her daughter was a liar, claiming neither child had left her sight the night of the alleged incident. Lewis said the daughter repeated her story to him, showed her bruises to him, and said the boy had previously threatened her with a knife. "Basically, this is a girl who has been terrorized by her brother," said Lewis. The boy was taken to Jackson County’s juvenile detention center in Medford. The girl is in protective custody in a foster home. Lewis said the boy’s history of offenses includes multiple assaults and theft. He stole money from the community center while performing community service. "He stole the cash box from the community center, then ran into Ace Hardware and grabbed a hammer to smash it open," said Lewis. "We have 11 cases on him from June 13, 2003, to today." Lewis said civil records show the family was evicted from apartments in Rogue River because the boy set fire to a lot next to the apartments and was throwing knives at other children. Lewis said the boy’s escalating history of crimes and apparent lack of conscience make him very dangerous. "He lies about his offenses. Then, when he eventually admits it, he shows absolutely no remorse for his actions," Lewis said. Police are continuing their investigation of Monday’s incident. Reach reporter Sanne Specht at 776-4497 or e-mail [email protected] . Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2003 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions Website Feedback 3 WEEKS FREE! ADVERTISERS SPECIAL SECTIONS Auto Finder Job Finder Home Finder Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Tempo Real Estate Showcase Food for Thought Hike of the Week Wellness Connection Outdoor Journal Moving to Southern Oregon? Volunteer Openings Prime Times