Tesla Vehicle Nearby Damaged by Thrown Stone
Suspected to Be the Act of Students from the Building's Academy
Accidents resulting in human and property damage due to objects such as stones being thrown from high places have been recurring. Recently, a story emerged that a vehicle was damaged after someone threw a stone from the rooftop of a three-story building in Busan. Fortunately, there were no injuries, but it was a dangerous situation where a passerby could have been hit.
Accidents causing damage to people and property by throwing stones from high places are recurring, and this time, it was reported that a vehicle was damaged after someone threw stones from the rooftop of a three-story building in Busan. Online community
On August 31, a post titled "Live Stone Throwing from the Rooftop" was uploaded to an online community. The author, identified as Mr. A, wrote, "They're throwing stones from the rooftop in real time. Someone below was almost hit, and a stone landed right in front of an employee at the first-floor store. I reported it to the police." In the photos shared by Mr. A, several stones can be seen scattered on the crosswalk and nearby road. The vehicle parked in front of the building appeared to have its roof damaged by a rock. The vehicle was reported to be a high-end Tesla.
The vehicle parked in front of the building appeared to have its roof damaged by a rock. The car was reported to be a high-end Tesla. Online community
In response to a comment asking, "Who is the culprit?" Mr. A replied, "It seems to be kids attending an academy in the building. When I shouted 'Don't throw it!' at the kid who was getting ready to throw, he hid." He added, "I was almost hit myself, just a matter of timing. It was a day that reminded me that it could happen to anyone at any time."
"A Free Pass Because They're Young?" The Juvenile Offender Debate Reignites
Previously, in November 2023, a resident in his seventies died after being struck by a rock the size of an adult's fist that had fallen from the tenth floor of an apartment building in Seoul. The victim was helping his wife, who had difficulty walking, up the stairs when the incident occurred. The person who threw the stone was an elementary school student, who reportedly stated that he "threw the stone without much thought." In early August, a woman walking in an apartment complex in Gangseo District, Seoul, was struck on the head by a glass bottle thrown from somewhere above, causing her to collapse and undergo two surgeries.
As crimes committed by juvenile offenders exempt from criminal punishment surge, criticism is growing that "the punishment is too lenient compared to the crimes they have committed." Asia Economy
If someone throws an object from a high place in a building and causes harm to another person's body or property, they can be punished under several laws. If only property is damaged, the crime of property damage applies, which carries a penalty of up to three years in prison or a fine of up to 7 million won. If a person is injured, charges of negligent bodily injury may apply; if intent is recognized, charges of bodily injury (up to seven years in prison, up to ten years of license suspension, or a fine of up to 10 million won) or aggravated bodily injury (one to ten years in prison) may be brought. If the victim dies, much heavier penalties such as negligent manslaughter or bodily injury resulting in death may be imposed. However, if the person who threw the stone is a "juvenile exempt from criminal punishment" under the age of 14, they are subject to protective measures such as being sent to a juvenile detention center instead of criminal punishment. If the offender is a "child offender" under the age of 10, they are not subject to even these protective measures and cannot be held legally responsible at all.
As a result, there has been criticism regarding the systems for juveniles exempt from criminal punishment and child offenders. Some netizens point to the fact that crimes committed by juveniles exempt from criminal punishment have been rapidly increasing each year as the basis for their criticism. According to National Police Agency statistics, the number of apprehended juvenile offenders exempt from criminal punishment rose from 8,615 in 2019 to 19,653 in 2023. Last year, the number reportedly surpassed 20,000 for the first time. As such juvenile crimes rapidly increase, criticism is growing that "the punishment is too lenient compared to the crimes they committed."
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