Following an attack that Polk County deputies describe as “brutal,” which left a man seriously injured, four teenagers are charged with felonies.
The attack took place outside a car wash on Church Ave. in Mulberry just before midnight on Monday, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Juan Ramos Sr., 35, reportedly refused to participate with the inquiry at first until discussing specifics on Thursday, according to detectives. Ramos was concerned that he would face consequences because he was on probation and shouldn’t have been drinking, according to Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd. Judd stated that Ramos Sr. needed to calm down after leaving his house following a fight with his wife.
Just before the four teenagers confronted him and began punching and kicking him repeatedly, Ramos Sr. told deputies he was speaking to someone.
“A friend inside the truck made a phone call who called some friends and said, he’s picking on our buddy and immediately four other people showed up,” Judd recalled.
He said that after waking up, he walked home before being admitted to the hospital’s intensive care unit with several cuts, oedema, a broken jaw, and a broken nose.
“He was beaten so bad. You might ask how badly was he beaten? How about a broken jaw for starters. How about his teeth are knocked all loose. How about in addition to that, he has lacerations to his orbital sockets. He’s got swelling on his torso. He’s got a broken nose. All because they jumped on him and beat him without mercy,” said Judd.
Ramos said that a misunderstanding led to his attack.
“At that age, they know right from wrong,” he stated.
The accused were apprehended by investigators, who said that just before the attack, the victim was “bothering” one of their autistic friends.
According to PCSO, one of the suspects’ girlfriend used her phone to record the beating. Her mother saw it when she got home and forced her daughter to phone the sheriff’s office. The accused were taken into custody by deputies.
According to Rachel, Ramos’ wife, he didn’t deserve to be on the verge of death.
“They were high-fiving each other and laughing and carrying on like it was a joke to them,” Rachel added. “I don’t give a damn about your age. You’re a monster.
Ramos claims that everyone involved poses a threat to the community, thus he wants the girl who took the video to face charges as well.
“I hope they never put their hands on anybody ever again,” Rachel replied.
“It could be your kids or your cousin or friend. Your sister or brother, whoever,” said Ramos.
It’s too soon to determine whether Ramos has brain damage, and he will require facial reconstructive surgery. He anticipates being discharged from the hospital as early as the next week.
