Massapequa Park teen says he’s scared for his life after bullying incident
15-year-old Tyler RocheTilden of Massapequa Park said a large group of kids followed him, called him terrible names and spit at him. It’s now left him afraid to leave his house.
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Tyler RocheTilden was doing what he does every Wednesday.
The teen, who is on the autism spectrum and has severe anxiety, had left his singing lesson on Park Boulevard in Massapequa Park and was headed to the local supermarket for soda and grapes.
But his routine was interrupted by a group of about 30 kids, he says, who cornered him, called him names and spat at him.
Rocks were thrown, and he said the leader of the pack tried to hit him but he was able to duck.
He said he’s now “sad, scared for my life.”
“I’m very much afraid to leave the house. I mean, I couldn’t stay in school today because I was nervous. Because those kids, I see them in my hallway, and there are some in my classes," said the 15-year-old.
Tyler’s mom Gina Moscato spoke about the incident in a video she posted to social media.
It’s gotten tens of thousands of views.
“Please, please, teach your kids better. Do the right thing. Teach them the difference between right and wrong. Give them the guidance they need. Make them aware. Give them awareness about what autism is, special needs, or just bullying in general," said Moscato.
The bullying incident was the final straw for Massapequa Park Mayor Danny Pearl who’d already received many complaints about the recklessness of kids on bikes, who have been riding dangerously throughout the village. He addressed that situation in a letter to residents.
