Teens accused of attacking man with intellectual disability, trying to start his curtains on fire
Jesus Reyes
TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) – Three teenagers were arrested after allegedly attacking a man with an intellectual disability and attempting to start a fire at his home in Twentynine Palms earlier this week.
The incident was first reported Wednesday at around 9 p.m.
According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, deputies were called to the 6400 block of East Court Way after the mother of a 15-year-old reported that her child had been assaulted by a neighbor.
Deputies arrived on scene and say they contacted three teens, one of whom claimed to have been assaulted.
During the initial investigation, deputies said they determined the teen’s account was fabricated to conceal the true nature of the incident.
As the investigation progressed, deputies said they discovered a social media reel capturing the actual assault.
Authorities said the video depicted two girls and a boy, violently attacking a man with an intellectual disability. The suspects forced entry into the victim’s apartment and assaulted him. During the attack, one of the girls armed herself with a large kitchen knife and repeatedly slashed at the victim’s arms and head. Throughout the assault, the victim plead for his life.
Before fleeing the apartment, one suspect reportedly attempted to ignite curtains inside the residence in an effort to start a fire.
Due to a collaborative investigative effort, all suspects were immediately identified.
Deputies obtained and executed search warrants for both the victim’s and suspects’ residences, and located evidence related to the violent assault. Deputies also recovered the knife used in the attack.
One of the female juveniles initially reported sustaining lacerations as a result of being assaulted; however, the investigation reportedly revealed her injuries were caused when she punched through the victim’s glass window. Both the victim and the injured suspect received medical treatment.
The suspects were booked into the San Bernardino County Juvenile Detention Center and faces multiple charges, including assault with a deadly weapon causing great bodily injury, burglary, and criminal threats. Authorities said additional charges will be determined by the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact the Morongo Basin Station at (760) 366-4175. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may contact the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or submit information online at www.wetip.com.