Teen Hit In 'Jackass' Case Could Be Charged

More charges could be filed in connection with a stunt -- reportedly inspired by the MTV show "Jackass" – that went awry and seriously injured a Tri-State teen. Watch video of the teens trying to perform a stunt for the TV show Jackass.


One Teen Remains Hospitalized Two Northern Kentucky teenage boys have been charged so far, and several others – including one who was run down by a car – could be charged as well, WLWT Eyewitness News 5 reported. In the stunt, one teen raced a car at a friend who was standing in the middle of a road. The boy in the path of the car was supposed to jump up and over the car at the last second, according to Independence police officials. However, the boy did not move in time, and the car slammed into him. Video cameras inside the car and on the side of the road captured footage of the teen's body bouncing off of the hood and over the top of the car. The boy who was hit suffered a broken right leg and left ankle, cuts and bruises and minor internal injuries. He is being treated St. Elizabeth South Hospital, WLWT Eyewitness News 5 reported. Two teens who were in the car, ages 16 and 17, have been charged with wanton endangerment, which is a felony. Their names have not been released. The boy who was hit could be facing charges as well, Kenton County Prosecutor Garry Edmonson said.

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"He's just as much a part of this entire act as the other two that have already been charged," Edmonson said. Police reports indicate that the boys had hoped to use the tape to make an appearance on MTV's "Jackass," a show infamous for its outlandish and often dangerous stunts. Independence police investigators estimate that the car was going 30 to 40 mph when it hit the teen. "None of us in this room would do something so crazy," Sgt. Anthony Lucas said. "But they're kids and they think they're superhuman and they're encouraged by the very nature of this program and the way it's presented to them." MTV issues disclaimers during all broadcasts of "Jackass," and the network does not accept tapes submitted from its viewers, according to MTV's Web site. Edmonson believes that MTV is not doing enough to prevent stunts inspired by "Jackass." "We know now from experiences around the country that their warning isn't sufficient," he said. "Certainly, they are morally culpable. Whether or not they are legally culpable is something that we are going to continue to look at." Note: The video clip above was produced without sound because people who are not seen in the footage could be heard speaking profanities. Previous Stories:

• April 25, 2001: Teen Injures Friend In Alleged 'Jackass' Stunt
• April 20, 2001: Another MTV Show Copycat Gets Hurt