By Kevin Deutsch
A 15-year-old Parkland teen is facing serious criminal charges after detectives said he participated in a felony criminal mischief incident that ended in the beating of a teen victim, authorities said.
His accomplices in the incident were still being sought as of Wednesday afternoon, according to the Broward Sheriff’s Office.
According to detectives, BSO Parkland District deputies responded to the area east of 10200 Majestic Trail, along Trails End Road, regarding an assault around midnight on Saturday, Feb. 17.
At the crime scene, deputies learned that an 18-year-old male victim had been driving his car when he heard something hit the car, possibly a rock. As he exited his car to investigate, he saw several people hiding in bushes nearby.
The group fled on a golf cart while one of them remained at the scene, according to BSO. The person who stayed behind called for his accomplices to return, authorities said. When they did, the victim whose car had been struck with an object jumped on the back of the golf cart.
At that time, the driver of the golf cart “drove in an aggressive manner, attempting [to] throw the victim from the golf cart,” BSO said in a press release Wednesday.
At the same time, two people on the golf cart began repeatedly punching the victim, authorities said. Property was also stolen from him. Eventually, the victim fell off the golf cart, and the group escaped.
The following day, a 15-year-old male and his guardian arrived at the BSO Parkland District Office to collect his cell phone and identification left behind at the crime scene, according to BSO. At that time, BSO detectives arrested the teen on charges of aggravated battery, felony criminal mischief, and grand theft.
According to detectives, the teen suspect admitted to throwing rocks and eggs at cars approximately six times and that he does it “not to hurt anyone, just for fun,” according to the press release.
The victim suffered multiple injuries in the attack, and his vehicle sustained thousands of dollars in damage, authorities said.
BSO Parkland District detectives are continuing their investigation of the crimes. Anyone with information or the identities of the other people involved is asked to call BSO Detective Robert Rutkowski at (754) 240-6953 or to email him at Robert_rutkowski@sheriff.org.
Tipsters can also submit a tip through the SaferWatch app. Those who wish to remain anonymous can contact Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS (8477), submit a tip online at browardcrimestoppers.org, or dial **TIPS (8477) from any cellphone in the United States.
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Author Profile
- Kevin Deutsch is an award-winning crime journalist and author. A graduate of Florida International University, Kevin has worked on staff at The Miami Herald, New York Daily News, and The Palm Beach Post.
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