General News
15 March, 2025
Alleged incident leaves boy scared
A boy was anxious and scared after his phone was allegedly destroyed senselessly in an incident at the Warracknabeal skate park on Wednesday last week.
Between 4.30-5pm, Archie Nikkelson, 12, was riding his scooter with a friend and put the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 on the table at the park so it didn't get broken.
The pair left the park when other children who attended the venue began acting inappropriately, only to realise Archie had left his phone there a short time later.
They returned to the park to find the phone smashed beyond repair.
"Archie has autism and was borrowing the phone so if anything happened, he could call us," Archie's mum, Tia Cook, said.
"Archie is usually very anti-social, but this incident has left him feeling even more anxious and scared about going out.
"I am so disappointed because Archie will most likely regress and not want to go back out."
Ms Cook said her son returned home in tears, beside himself in sadness.
But the incident has left Ms Cook angry and disappointed.
"Children should not be damaging other children's property," she said.
Jen Moore, a family friend, described him as caring and respectful.
"Archie is the type of child who likes to keep to himself, but he is so caring about the feelings of others even when he doesn't know them.
"Every morning and night, I'd receive a message from Archie saying good morning or goodnight.
"Archie would never hurt anyone intentionally; it's just not in his nature."
Warracknabeal police have confirmed they are investigating an incident.
In a statement, they said they believe three teenage males who were present at the time will be able to assist with the investigation.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Warracknabeal police on (03) 5396 2100 or Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.