The Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog
A man with physical and possible mental disabilities was injured during an alleged attack at a bonfire party in Daytona Beach. Deputies say several teens assaulted him while he was sitting near a pickup truck, and two young men were arrested as suspects.
The alleged victim arrived at the party with a friend but initially stayed inside the friend’s truck because he did not know the other people there and felt uncomfortable. After about an hour, he joined the gathering. His friend left to drive people home and bring others back while the alleged victim stayed at the party.
According to the arrest affidavit, the alleged victim was sitting on a pickup truck’s tailgate when the confrontation began. Investigators reviewed a video of the incident that reportedly showed one suspect approaching and slapping the victim before another began punching and slapping him. The alleged victim was knocked to the ground and repeatedly punched and kicked.
The alleged victim reportedly asked what he had done wrong and pleaded with the group to stop. Deputies said he tried to protect himself as several people continued the assault. One suspect allegedly pulled the victim’s head back by his hair, and another later reportedly put him in a chokehold.
The alleged victim’s friend eventually returned and left the party with him. Deputies said they do not think the alleged victim had acted aggressively toward the people who reportedly attacked him.
The alleged victim suffered a concussion, in addition to cuts and bruises across his body. Investigators said he has a visible birth defect affecting his right hand and his mother told deputies she believes he may also have a minor mental disability.
The alleged victim identified two of the people believed to be involved, and deputies are looking for additional suspects. The two arrested men, ages 18 and 19, face charges of aggravated battery on a disabled person and battery by strangulation. At the time this was written, they were being held at the Volusia County Jail without bond.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a criminal offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.