POLK COUNTY, Fla. – Four teenagers were arrested in Polk County following what the sheriff’s office described as the brutal beating of a 35-year-old Mulberry man who wound up in the ICU as a result.
The attack allegedly took place around 11:40 p.m. Monday and was reported by the victim’s wife, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release.
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Detectives followed up with the victim, who had since been hospitalized with serious injuries to his face that included a broken nose, a broken jaw, multiple lacerations and swelling, the release states.
Come Thursday, the victim discussed details with a deputy, telling them that he had been talking to a male at a car wash along North Church Avenue before he was confronted by four juveniles and beaten, adding he walked back home after he woke up.
A witness and four suspects were later identified while cellphone video which reportedly showed the beating was also obtained, according to the sheriff’s office.
“The video of the beating is hard to watch. The victim was knocked down with the first punch and rendered defenseless. The suspects continued to attack the man—they pummeled him repeatedly with a sickening rage,” Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said in a statement.
The following four suspects were arrested on Thursday:
- Eathan Ryne Simmons, 18, from Mulberry: Faces charges of attempted second-degree murder, aggravated battery with bodily harm, rioting and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
- Westlee Austin Davis II, 18, from Mulberry: Faces charges of attempted second-degree murder, aggravated battery with bodily harm, rioting and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
- Robert Frerichs, 17, from Mulberry: Faces charges of attempted second-degree murder, aggravated battery with bodily harm and rioting.
- Dalton Ivory Creach, 19, from Lakeland: Faces charges of rioting and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
During interviews, the suspects allegedly told investigators that they confronted the victim for bothering a friend who has autism and whom they’re protective of. At the time of this report, detectives were still working to identify the friend and another male who he was allegedly with, the sheriff’s office said.
News 6 is naming and showing Frerichs due to the circumstances of the case.
Judd held a news conference Friday afternoon to discuss the case. Watch it again in the video player below or by clicking here.