Stranger punches boy, 11, in Gwinnett County

A local mother is hoping the public will help police find the person who punched her 11-year-old son.

Patricia Flukers said her son, Dariton, was attacked while playing soccer with his friends Saturday night at the Sienna Heights Apartments in Norcross.

Flukers said a group of men, ages 18 and older, approached her son and asked if they could join the game. And at some point, things went horribly wrong.

"My son said they couldn't play. He said, 'with me and my friend, there is already enough people,'" Flukers said. "The next thing he knew, they jumped on him and tried to take his phone. When he got up and turned around, a man punched him in the face," Flukers added.

Dariton Flukers told his mother the crew ran into the woods. And at least one person got away in a dark-colored truck, according to an incident report.

"He is only a baby. It's not good for a man or anybody to put their hands on a kid," Flukers said.

Dariton suffered a large bruise and a swollen cheek. But he's expected to be OK.

Gwinnett County Police told Fox 5 they are seeking people with any information about the incident. The person responsible for punching the child could face a child cruelty charge among other assault charges, according to authorities.