MULBERRY, FL – A brutal assault by a group of teenagers on a 35-year-old man in Polk County has left the victim hospitalized with serious injuries, according to local authorities. The incident occurred late Monday night as police reported the assault took place after the teens claimed the victim, Juan Ramos, was “bothering an autistic friend” of theirs.

While waiting at a Mulberry car wash on North Church Avenue, Ramos was allegedly attacked by the group, later recalling from his hospital bed the shock of being suddenly beaten. “Next thing I know, I’m getting pounded,” he noted, still bewildered by the unprovoked aggression.

Four teenagers have been implicated in the attack, with three facing serious charges as adults. Eathan Simmons and Westlee Davis II, both 18, have been charged with attempted second-degree murder and aggravated battery, among other offenses. Dalton Creach, 19, faces charges of rioting and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Authorities have also recommended charges for a 17-year-old involved in the altercation.

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, addressing the media, emphasized the ferocity of the attack, characterizing the assailants as acting “like a bunch of pack animals.” An image released by the sheriff’s office from the hospital depicts the extent of Ramos’s injuries, which include a broken nose, jaw, multiple lacerations, and significant swelling.

Ramos, who was reportedly intoxicated at the time and on probation, initially hesitated to report the incident. His wife ultimately alerted the police, prompting detectives to seek Ramos’s cooperation in identifying and prosecuting his attackers.

The altercation was partially captured on cellphone footage, with Sheriff Judd describing the video as showcasing behavior “animalistic” in nature. “You can’t believe in today’s society that people will care so little for another human being,” he remarked, stressing that the investigation is ongoing.

Efforts to identify the autistic individual mentioned by the suspects as the reason for their attack continue, though investigators have yet to locate this person. Ramos contended that he was merely conversing with someone about their vehicle when confronted by the teens.

Sheriff Judd condemned the attack, asserting the importance of maintaining civility and justice. “In a free society, we don’t treat people like that. That conduct’s not acceptable in Polk County,” he concluded, reaffirming the community’s stance against such violence.