CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. — A man accused of randomly sucker-punched a 12-year-old boy on Friday has turned himself in.
The Cape Girardeau Police Department said that Cedric Moore, 27, turned himself in Wednesday at the Scott County Sheriff's Office. He is charged with second-degree felony assault and first-degree child endangerment.
A viral video captured the unprovoked attack on 12-year-old Ethan Hagler while he was dancing on a Main Street sidewalk Friday night with his dance instructor and another young boy.
An SUV pulled up behind the group and a man jumped out of the passenger side. The video showed him sneak up behind Ethan and punch him in the head, knocking him to the ground. His instructor ran after the man as he jumped back into the SUV, which sped off.
Ethan appeared dazed after the attack while onlookers came to his aid. His mother, Stephanie Hagler, told 5 On Your Side that he suffered a bloody nose and a concussion that he is still recovering from.
Police used video to identify Moore as the suspect and a warrant was filed for his arrest. They had been searching for him all week but hadn't been able to find him until he turned himself in. His bond has been set at $50,000.
The public has understandably expressed a desire to see Moore charged with a hate crime for this heinous crime," the department said in a previous statement. "In accordance with state statutes, this charge would only apply if the assault was categorized to a lesser degree, which would not be in the best interest of seeking true justice for the victim."
