The Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog
A Florida man was hospitalized for several injuries after a group of teenagers reportedly attacked him because they believed he had bothered their autistic friend.
Late in the evening on May 5, a 35-year-old man from Mulberry was chatting with someone at a local car wash when four allegedly aggressive young men walked up to him. The girlfriend of one of the men recorded a video using her cell phone as they reportedly kicked and punched the man until he had a broken jaw, a broken nose, and cuts and swelling all over his body. According to reports, he was left unconscious.
When the man regained consciousness, he walked home, but did not initially want to call the police because he was on probation and had been drinking. His wife notified the authorities, and the alleged victim was admitted to intensive care at the hospital for his severe injuries. A few days later, a sheriff’s deputy talked to him about the incident, and he told them his attackers accused him of bothering their autistic friend.
The suspects were taken into custody and booked into the Polk County Jail on multiple charges. The 19-year-old was accused of one count each of felony rioting and misdemeanor contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Both 18-year-olds are facing preliminary charges of one count each of felony attempted murder in the second degree, felony aggravated battery with bodily harm, and felony rioting, in addition to misdemeanor contributing to the delinquency of a minor. The 17-year-old, who is expected to be charged as an adult, is accused of felony attempted murder in the second degree, felony aggravated battery with bodily harm, and misdemeanor rioting.
If you or someone you love is suspected of an assault or battery offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.