CBS Detroit, November 1, 2014

Detroit police say a 16 year old is clinging to life after getting attacked by a classmate at his charter school, apparently over a pair of shoes.

The incident happened Wednesday at Allen Academy on Quincy Street, in a northwest neighborhood off I-96 near Joy Road.

Police say the student, identified in reports as 16-year-old Willie Wallace, was violently attacked by at least one other student. Investigators believe it all stemmed from a previous altercation over a pair of expensive Nike Air Force shoes Wallace was wearing.

Wallace reportedly suffered a seizure, fractured skull, bleeding in his brain, and damage to his chin, cheek and neck in the attack, which went on for about five minutes. He was last reported in critical condition.

The attack apparently started as Wallace was walking down the hallway on his way to class. His mother told reporters that he was sucker-punched before entering the classroom, where other students allegedly joined in the attack.

A teacher was in the classroom and tried to break up the assault, police said, but was unable to intervene until the major damage was done. {snip}

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At least one student who attacked Wallace, believed to be the main perpetrator, has been taken into police custody. It’s unclear what charges he may be facing.

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[Editor’s Note: Allen Academy is 100 percent black.]