Topline: The victim suffered broken bones and severe facial injuries in the late-night car wash attack.
Published: May 13, 2025 7:30 am ET
Must Read
MULBERRY, FL — Four teens have been arrested in connection with the vicious beating of a 35-year-old Mulberry man at a car wash.
According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the assault took place late Monday night, May 5, at a car wash on North Church Avenue.
Investigators say the man was approached by a group of juveniles and violently beaten after engaging in a conversation with another individual.
Sheriff Grady Judd described the video of the attack as “hard to watch.”
“The victim was knocked down with the first punch and rendered defenseless,” Judd said. “The suspects continued to attack the man—they pummeled him repeatedly with a sickening rage.”
The victim’s wife reported the incident around 11:40 p.m. that night. Initially, the victim was uncooperative, but later told detectives he had been assaulted by a group of four juveniles and only remembered walking home after regaining consciousness.
On May 8, detectives obtained cell phone footage of the beating and identified a witness and the four suspects involved. Arrests were made the same day.
Arrested in the Attack:
- Eathan Ryne Simmons, 18, of Mulberry: Attempted 2nd-degree murder, aggravated battery, rioting, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor
- Westlee Austin Davis II, 18, of Mulberry: Attempted 2nd-degree murder, aggravated battery, rioting, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor
- Robert Frerichs, 17, of Mulberry: Attempted 2nd-degree murder, aggravated battery, and rioting
- Dalton Ivory Creach, 19, of Lakeland: Rioting and contributing to the delinquency of a minor
During interviews, suspects claimed they confronted the man for allegedly bothering an autistic friend. However, authorities say that the friend and another male—who were present but did not participate in the attack—have yet to be identified.
The victim remains hospitalized in the intensive care unit, suffering from a broken nose, broken jaw, multiple lacerations, and extensive facial swelling.
The investigation is ongoing.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor Picks
Latest Articles
Florida Teens Arrested for ‘Sickening’ Beating of Man Who They Claim Bothered Autistic Friend
The victim suffered broken bones and severe facial injuries in the late-night car wash attack.
By Jacob Charles
Published: May 13, 2025 7:30 am ET
MULBERRY, FL — Four teens have been arrested in connection with the vicious beating of a 35-year-old Mulberry man at a car wash.
According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the assault took place late Monday night, May 5, at a car wash on North Church Avenue.
Investigators say the man was approached by a group of juveniles and violently beaten after engaging in a conversation with another individual.
Sheriff Grady Judd described the video of the attack as “hard to watch.”
“The victim was knocked down with the first punch and rendered defenseless,” Judd said. “The suspects continued to attack the man—they pummeled him repeatedly with a sickening rage.”
The victim’s wife reported the incident around 11:40 p.m. that night. Initially, the victim was uncooperative, but later told detectives he had been assaulted by a group of four juveniles and only remembered walking home after regaining consciousness.
On May 8, detectives obtained cell phone footage of the beating and identified a witness and the four suspects involved. Arrests were made the same day.
Arrested in the Attack:
- Eathan Ryne Simmons, 18, of Mulberry: Attempted 2nd-degree murder, aggravated battery, rioting, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor
- Westlee Austin Davis II, 18, of Mulberry: Attempted 2nd-degree murder, aggravated battery, rioting, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor
- Robert Frerichs, 17, of Mulberry: Attempted 2nd-degree murder, aggravated battery, and rioting
- Dalton Ivory Creach, 19, of Lakeland: Rioting and contributing to the delinquency of a minor
During interviews, suspects claimed they confronted the man for allegedly bothering an autistic friend. However, authorities say that the friend and another male—who were present but did not participate in the attack—have yet to be identified.
The victim remains hospitalized in the intensive care unit, suffering from a broken nose, broken jaw, multiple lacerations, and extensive facial swelling.
The investigation is ongoing.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
Must Read
Editor Picks
Latest Articles
Florida Teens Arrested for ‘Sickening’ Beating of Man Who They Claim Bothered Autistic Friend
The victim suffered broken bones and severe facial injuries in the late-night car wash attack.
By Jacob Charles
Published: May 13, 2025 7:30 am ET
MULBERRY, FL — Four teens have been arrested in connection with the vicious beating of a 35-year-old Mulberry man at a car wash.
According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the assault took place late Monday night, May 5, at a car wash on North Church Avenue.
Investigators say the man was approached by a group of juveniles and violently beaten after engaging in a conversation with another individual.
Sheriff Grady Judd described the video of the attack as “hard to watch.”
“The victim was knocked down with the first punch and rendered defenseless,” Judd said. “The suspects continued to attack the man—they pummeled him repeatedly with a sickening rage.”
The victim’s wife reported the incident around 11:40 p.m. that night. Initially, the victim was uncooperative, but later told detectives he had been assaulted by a group of four juveniles and only remembered walking home after regaining consciousness.
On May 8, detectives obtained cell phone footage of the beating and identified a witness and the four suspects involved. Arrests were made the same day.
Arrested in the Attack:
- Eathan Ryne Simmons, 18, of Mulberry: Attempted 2nd-degree murder, aggravated battery, rioting, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor
- Westlee Austin Davis II, 18, of Mulberry: Attempted 2nd-degree murder, aggravated battery, rioting, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor
- Robert Frerichs, 17, of Mulberry: Attempted 2nd-degree murder, aggravated battery, and rioting
- Dalton Ivory Creach, 19, of Lakeland: Rioting and contributing to the delinquency of a minor
During interviews, suspects claimed they confronted the man for allegedly bothering an autistic friend. However, authorities say that the friend and another male—who were present but did not participate in the attack—have yet to be identified.
The victim remains hospitalized in the intensive care unit, suffering from a broken nose, broken jaw, multiple lacerations, and extensive facial swelling.
The investigation is ongoing.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
Must Read
