11/01/2010 // West Palm Beach, FL, US // Sandra Quinlan // Sandra Quinlan
Cleveland, OH—An 18-year-old boy was airlifted to the MetroHealth Medical Center’s Level 1 Trauma Center after he was brutally beaten by a group of eight boys Wednesday, Oct. 27. The victim and his girlfriend, who was also punched in the face during the attack, claimed they were targeted for being an interracial couple, according to information provided by Fox 8.
Reports indicated an unidentified boy and girl, who were described as Caucasian and African American, respectively, were followed by a large group of boys upon exiting a bus near W. 50th and Memphis Avenue.
Eight boys, whose ages ranged from 15 to 19, then allegedly proceeded to taunt the teen couple with insolent comments such as, “You’re cute but I’m gonna punch him in the face.”
Within moments, the quarrel escalated. However, the female took the first punch. When her boyfriend defended her, he too was attacked. The police report stated that the group of boys violently punched and kicked the victim.
Though neighbors who witnessed the attack called 911, they contended officers did not arrive at the scene immediately. “It’s sad… But you can’t depend on them,” said Gill James.
The female victim was eventually able to help her injured boyfriend walk to a nearby relative’s house. Family members then rushed him to Fairview Hospital, where doctors quickly determined that he would need to be life-flighted to the Level 1 Trauma Center.
The couple alleged they were likely attacked due to the fact that they are in an interracial relationship. The girl’s mother agreed, stating, “Absolutely that’s why they were assaulted.”
“He was badly injured and in the ICU… It’s terrible! He is such a nice guy. A guy any parent would want to date their child,” the girl’s mother added. The boy has since been upgraded to good condition at the hospital.
According to Cleveland police, five of the eight suspects were arrested and face charges of felonious assault in connection with the malicious beating.
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