After man with special needs is attacked in a park, residents in Danvers voice concern about dangerous teenagers

Police in Danvers are investigating after a man with special needs was assaulted Saturday in a park, renewing concerns about potentially dangerous behavior by some teenagers.

The victim, Chris Anderson, spoke about the attack before the Danvers Select Board Tuesday night.

“I’ve been living in Danvers for a long time,” Anderson said at the meeting, according to a recording posted by the town. “I was really, really afraid of them ... I was scared [of] them, those kids. ... It just breaks my heart every day.”

Anderson, who is known as “Ducky,” said, “I can’t sleep in the nighttime.”

“It’s hard,” he told the board. “Can you guys do more for me? Please?”

Police went to Plains Park around 4:20 p.m. to investigate reports of an assault, according to Police Chief James P. Lovell. They found “the injured victim, who was then taken to Beverly Hospital for evaluation and later released.”

Police declined to provide more information, citing an ongoing investigation and the possible involvement of juveniles. But police acknowledged public frustration over the attack.

“We are well aware that there are many questions surrounding an incident that occurred over the weekend,” Lovell said. “Please know that our department is taking this incident very seriously and that we are actively investigating to ensure that all parties involved are held accountable.”

At Tuesday’s meeting, one resident said she was in downtown Danvers in August when she saw several juveniles on bikes harassing a disabled man by spitting at him, swearing at him, and trying to knock him down. She intervened and told the juveniles to leave the man alone; they began spitting and throwing rocks at her.

The woman called police, who told her they were not responding to the area.

“I just feel it’s very disheartening that this happened to this gentleman [Anderson], because maybe if it’s the same group of boys, it could have been stopped,” she said.

After hearing from Anderson and several other residents, Board Chair Daniel C. Bennett apologized to Anderson on behalf of the town.

“I apologize to you for what happened,” he said. “I’ve seen you over the years riding by. You’re always friendly. You always have a nice wave. Sorry that it happened to you.” But several people in the audience demanded action, not apologies.

Town Manager Steve Bartha defended Lovell.

“To suggest that the chief is not aware of, or not attentive to this, is false. I’ve been in contact with him since the incident occurred,” Bartha said. “He and his officers are investigating. They are talking to suspects. They are talking to witnesses. They are working hand-in-hand with the district attorney. If and when charges are warranted, they will be pressed.”