Cody Pines, 17, is being hailed as a hero after the teen was caught on tape taking down an accused bully who was allegedly beating up his legally blind high school classmate, Austin Higley, 16. Video of the incident went viral, with more than 26 million views, showing Higley being attacked by another student as Pines swiftly steps in to help him. The accused aggressor has been charged with misdemeanor battery.
Pines and Higley, students at Huntington Beach High School in Huntington Beach, CA, speak out together for the first time exclusively to Dr. Phil on Wednesday’s episode, with Austin giving his account of the incident, and Cody explaining what he was thinking when he jumped in to save Austin.
“I saw the kid getting into Austin’s face and stuff. I didn’t even notice it was Austin until I got closer and whenever I noticed it was Austin, that’s when I went to go help him,” Pines says in the video above. “I just ran up there and I just swung my arm. I was only trying to hit him once, I was just trying to get him off of him.”
“Honestly, I feel like you saved my life,” Higley responds.
“Exclusive: High School Hero Defends Blind Teen in Alleged Bully Attack Caught on Video,” airs Wednesday. Check here to see where you can watch.