The unnamed bully was today arrested on suspicion of misdemeanor battery and released to his parents, according to Huntington Beach Police.
Police officer Jennifer Marlatt told My News LA the incident did not appear to have any connection with the victim's disability but said Austin and his attacker 'have a history of not getting along'.
The officer said the argument had begun after the victim walked past his tormenter, and quickly escalated into a physical fight.
'Another student saw the fight and intervened to prevent the suspect from further assaulting the victim,' Marlatt said in a news release.
Students told KCAL9 the visually impaired student was attacked for no reason.
Grant Morels said: 'I saw like a half circle around a group of kids and I wanted to see what was up. And I see this kid like getting wailed on by another kid.'
No arrest is expected for the intervening teen who has been praised by his peers and online for standing up for his classmate.
But his school took a different approach and are believed to have kicked the have-a-go-hero off the football team after he breached their 'zero-tolerance' policy on violence.
A petition to get him reinstated on the team has now been launched online, which stands by the high school student's actions.
The campaign's website states: 'We believe (the teenager) should be back on his football team and back in school where he belongs. While violence is never the best option what Cody did to defend his friend and classmate was justified.
'And schools 'zero-tolerance' policies out even the person saving disabled friends.'
The petition has now had more than 1,000 responses with many criticizing Huntington Beach High School's decision.
Jeff Smith wrote: 'Great job! Our future is in good hands because of young men such as yourself, Don't sacrifice your morals for something as petty as football. If they don't allow you back on the team it will be their loss. Leaders continue to lead even when nobody is looking.'
Another commenter said: 'The hero did the right thing. Don't punish a kid for doing the right thing!!!!'
Mike Hallen said: 'The day you punish people who protect the helpless is the day you've lost humanity. Don't be STUPID!'
Dawn Wentland called on the school to reconsider and treat the junior like the 'hero he is'.
'I don't care what the policy says. Its self defense via a bystander. To beat a blind kid and get to play the victim card. Cost another kid his education. That boy is a hero. Treat him like one.'
However, Huntington Beach High School district officials stuck by their move and said they could not accept violent behavior from any student.
Police were alerted to the incident after shocking footage of the fight, which showed the unnamed teen repeatedly beating his blind classmate around the head, went viral.
The 30-second video ends with a warning the bully: 'I swear to God, if you f--- with this kid again, I will f*** you up.'
It has now been viewed nearly 480,000 times on YouTube, where commenters praised the teen.
'This hero is what I imagine Captain America was like in high school!' one person wrote.
Huntington Beach High School district said it was reviewing the incident.
'The school is now responding to this isolated incident by interviewing students and witnesses to determine exactly what happened,' the district said in its statement. 'Additionally, the school is working with local authorities to define the appropriate actions necessary once all of the information is collected.
'Huntington Beach High School firmly believes that all students are afforded an opportunity to learn in a safe and secure environment.
Because of this, safety is the highest priority,' the statement said. 'Huntington Beach High School has a very strong anti-bullying code of conduct and will not condone this type of behavior from any student.'
- Daily Mail UK
