MULBERRY, Fla. — Four teenagers have been charged with felonies following a violent attack that left a 35-year-old man hospitalized with severe injuries. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office described the assault as “brutal,” raising concerns about youth violence in the community.
The incident occurred shortly before midnight on Monday outside a car wash on Church Avenue. Authorities reported that the victim, Juan Ramos Sr., had left his home after an argument with his wife. Fearing potential legal repercussions due to his probation status, he initially hesitated to cooperate with law enforcement but later provided details of the attack.
According to Ramos, he was speaking to an individual when he was suddenly approached by the group of teens. He was subsequently punched and kicked multiple times, suffering a broken nose and jaw among other injuries. He managed to return home after regaining consciousness, but his condition deteriorated, leading to his admission to intensive care.
Sheriff Grady Judd highlighted the severity of the beating, noting injuries such as lacerations around Ramos’s eyes and significant swelling. “He was beaten so badly that his teeth were loosened,” Judd remarked. This attack has sparked discussions about the escalating violence among young people in the area.
Investigators traced the teenagers involved, who accused Ramos of bothering a friend with autism prior to the attack. In a startling turn of events, a video of the beating taken by a suspect’s girlfriend surfaced. After witnessing the incident, her mother prompted her to report it to the sheriff’s office.
The suspects have been charged with various offenses, including attempted second-degree murder and aggravated battery. Eathan Simmons and Westlee Davis, both 18, face serious charges, alongside 17-year-old Robert Frerichs and 19-year-old Dalton Creach, who face slightly lesser charges due to their age.
The Polk County community has grappled with concerns over youth-related crime and violence. As law enforcement seeks to address these issues, local residents are left to ponder the implications of such shocking events on their safety and well-being. Authorities are emphasizing the need for dialogue on youth behavior and accountability in hopes of preventing future incidents.