Police: Teens break into home, punch boy in face

A 16-year-old boy was assaulted by a group of teenagers who forced their way into a home, Cape Girardeau police said.

Five teenagers were playing basketball near 1022 Sturdivant Ave. around 4 p.m. Tuesday when they began taunting the boy inside the home to come out. When the boy refused, the five forced their way through the door and punched the victim twice in the face, police Sgt. Barry Hovis said.

Another boy inside the home took out a knife and chased the five teenagers away. There were no adults present, Hovis said.

Curtis E. Cox, 17, of 925 S. Ellis St., was charged with felony burglary and misdemeanor assault. He had bond set at $7,500, according to Hovis.

A 14-year-old boy, a 16-year-old boy and two 15-year-old boys were cited into juvenile court for the incident.

The attack stemmed from a prior incident between the teens, who all knew each other. The 16-year-old boy attacked did not receive medical attention.