Photo: Drew Moholland/WBZ NewsRadio
DANVERS, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — The Danvers community rallies behind one of their own in the wake of an attack on a man with an intellectual disability.
A 15-year-old boy was arrested on Oct. 18, after allegedly attacking Chris Anderson near Plains Park earlier this month. The teenager now faces multiple assault charges, including assault and battery on a person with an intellectual disability.
Anderson is a beloved member of the Danvers community and goes by the nickname “Ducky.” At a select board meeting earlier this month, Ducky voiced his concerns about the teenagers that hang out in the area.
“[I’m] really afraid of them always. It just breaks my heart every day,” said Anderson.
The community has rallied around Anderson, looking for ways to make him feel safer in the community he loves. North Shore Tattoo Company’s Jimmy Mercer had a creative idea to show support.
“A lot of people in town were looking for ways to help. I designed a t-shirt,” said Mercer.
The t-shirts show a picture of a duck with the words “Defend Ducky” underneath and have already raised around $6,000 for the Anderson family. Mercer said he grew up with Ducky and plans to deliver a check to his mother Antoinette Anderson in the coming days.
“She said she’s at a loss for words. She’s been very happy with all the support and very appreciative too,” said Mercer.
WBZ NewsRadio’s Drew Moholland (@DrewWBZ) reports.
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