Peekskill mother: Bullying needs ‘criminal consequence’

A bullying incident captured on a cellphone video at Hillcrest Elementary School in Peekskill has resulted in several suspensions. The victim’s mother says it’s not good enough.
The video shows several 10-year-old students chasing their classmate on the way home from school.
Lisa Crosby, the bullied student’s mother, says the problems began last month, after her daughter asked a boy why he wasn't talking to her friend.
Crosby claims the boy first threatened her, then orchestrated this attack which he recorded and posted on social media.
Peekskill police responded after Samantha's brother called 911.
“I get a call from police that they were here at my house with my children. Samantha was jumped, she didn't have her shoes on,” says Lisa Crosby.
She is calling on the Westchester County District Attorney's Office to take action against the bullies.
According to the DA's office, Family Court would handle the matter, but only if police press criminal charges. In this case, police have not yet pressed charges.
“We have children right in the city killing themselves because they're being bullied,” says Lisa Crosby. “I think these laws need to be changed so these bullies under the age of 16 can have a criminal consequence.”
She says the Peekskill School District responded by suspending at least three students for a week.
In a district statement, Superintendent Dr. David Mauricio says in part, "We want to assure our families that here in Peekskill, we are doing everything we can to be proactive in preventing bullying and firmly addressing the issue if it does occur. Our district administration is currently collaborating with the city, our local police department and the Peekskill Youth Bureau to address bullying."