Authorities decry assault on 12-year-old red-haired California boy as a result of "Kick A Ginger Day" internet posting, but add that if anyone wants to punch David Caruso, that would be ok

(courtesy of the Chicago Sun Times)

CALABASAS, Calif. -- Authorities say a 12-year-old boy assaulted by a group of middle school classmates in Southern California may have been targeted after an Internet posting urged students to beat up redheads.


Los Angeles County Sheriff's Lt. Richard Erickson says the boy, who is redheaded, was kicked and hit in two incidents Friday at his school. As many as 14 students participated in the attacks.

Erickson says the attackers may have been motivated by a Facebook message announcing that Friday was "Kick a Ginger Day." The posting may have been inspired by an episode of the television show "South Park."

The boy was not seriously hurt. AP