A group of teenagers in Florida viciously assaulted a man last week, jumping him “like a bunch of pack animals” and beating him with what police described as “sickening rage.”

The attack happened on Monday, May 5, around 11:40 p.m. in Polk County. According to a press release from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO), the four teens—three of whom are legally adults—told investigators they acted because the victim was “bothering an autistic friend” of theirs.

Juan Ramos, 35, said he was speaking to someone at a Mulberry car wash on North Church Avenue when the group launched their assault.

“Next thing I know, I’m getting pounded,” Ramos told NBC affiliate WFLA from his hospital bed.
“I didn’t know what was going on,” he added.

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Charges Filed Against Teen Attackers

Authorities identified the suspects charged as adults as:

• Eathan Simmons, 18
• Westlee Davis II, 18
  Both face charges of attempted second-degree murder, aggravated battery with bodily harm, rioting, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
• Dalton Creach, 19
  He is charged with rioting and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

Police have also recommended adult charges for a 17-year-old involved in the attack, including attempted murder, aggravated battery, rioting, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

Victim’s Injuries and Police Response

PCSO officials reported that Ramos was intoxicated at the time and on probation, which made him initially reluctant to report the assault. Instead, his wife contacted authorities, prompting detectives to ask Ramos to come forward.

“They beat him without mercy,” said Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd during a Friday press briefing.
“Jumped on him like a bunch of pack animals.”

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Ramos sustained severe facial injuries, including a broken nose, broken jaw, multiple lacerations, and significant swelling. The sheriff’s office released a photo from the hospital showing his condition, along with cellphone video of the attack.

“I’m going to share with you something that is animalistic,” Judd told reporters while referencing the footage.
“It’s horrible. You can’t believe in today’s society that people will care so little for another human being.”

Ongoing Investigation

Investigators are still trying to identify the autistic friend the teens claimed to be defending. Ramos told police he was merely discussing a vehicle with someone when the group attacked him.

Despite the teens’ claims, Judd emphasized that no justification exists for such brutality.

“In a free society, we don’t treat people like that,” Judd said.
“That conduct’s not acceptable in Polk County.”

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