by Florida Teens Brutally Beat Man ‘Like Pack Animals’ Over Alleged Harassment of Autistic Friend, Police Say
A group of teenagers in Florida allegedly beat a man “senseless” last week in a violent attack that police described as animalistic and merciless.
According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the incident happened late Monday night, May 5, around 11:40 p.m. in Mulberry. Four teens—three of whom are 18 or older—allegedly ambushed 35-year-old Juan Ramos at a car wash on North Church Avenue. The teens later told police they attacked Ramos because he was “bothering an autistic friend” of theirs.
Ramos, speaking from his hospital bed, said he had no idea what was happening.
“I was just talking to someone about their car, and the next thing I know, I’m getting pounded,” he told NBC affiliate WFLA. “I didn’t know what was going on.”
The teens charged as adults have been identified as Eathan Simmons, 18, and Westlee Davis II, 18, who now face serious charges, including attempted second-degree murder, aggravated battery causing bodily harm, rioting, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. A third teen, Dalton Creach, 19, faces charges of rioting and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
A 17-year-old who was allegedly part of the attack is also facing charges, and police are asking that he be tried as an adult for attempted murder, among other offenses.
According to the sheriff’s office, Ramos was intoxicated and on probation at the time, which made him hesitant to report the incident. It was his wife who eventually called the authorities. After being contacted by detectives, Ramos agreed to cooperate in the investigation.
“They beat him without mercy,” said Sheriff Grady Judd at a press conference on Friday. “They jumped on him like a bunch of pack animals.”
Ramos sustained severe injuries, including a broken nose, broken jaw, deep cuts, and swelling. The sheriff’s office released a hospital photo showing the extent of his injuries, along with cellphone footage of the beating.
“This was animalistic,” Judd said of the video. “It’s horrible. In today’s society, it’s hard to believe people can have so little regard for another human being.”
Investigators are still working to identify the autistic individual the teens claimed they were defending, but no confirmation had been made as of Friday.
Regardless of the teens’ claims, Judd stressed that violence is never an acceptable response.
“Even if there was a disagreement, you don’t attack someone like that,” he said. “In a free society, we don’t treat people this way. That kind of behavior is not welcome in Polk County.
