I've been in that guys position.... My response was to lock myself in my car while the 12 year old who after smashing me & his friend then smashed my wing mirrors and side panels..... Was still worth not hitting or even restraining him as I'd have lost my licence, job and been front page news... UK though.
Guy should never have touched him tbh, does he deserves some sympathy for losing control in the same way the kid did? .. You lash out you lose.
unfair? NA I don't think so.
I could have claimed the parents for the damage, but I didn't as they have enough problems. It cost me £720 for the damage.
I never charged him either as that's another day's wages lost....