Huntington Beach police say the incident began as a fight between dozens of teenagers at Murdy Park on Goldenwest Street and Warner Avenue just before 8 p.m. Friday. At least one witness says a woman tried to intervene, but the teens turned on her. That's when the victim, her boyfriend, tried to help.
When the 25-year-old victim fled the skate park, he was followed by the teens to a shopping center. The victim, identified as Vicktor Silcock of Huntington Beach, was then assaulted inside a Laundromat by the teens and hit on the head with skateboards. Police are reviewing surveillance video from inside the Laundromat.
Silcock remains hospitalized in critical condition. Silcock is part of a well-known family in Orange County that adopted 43 sons.
"Our son suffered a critical brain injury from the savage beating he received," said Silcock's family in a statement provided by his adoptive mother, Ann Belles. "He continues to be in critical condition and fighting for his life. While we concentrate on our son's recovery, we trust that our excellent Huntington Beach police force will keep-up with their investigation and bring the perpetrators of this heinous act to justice."
Seven teens were detained and four were later arrested, including the 15-year-old son of a man who only wanted to be identified as "Richard."
"My son said that he did not hit the man. He ran from him, threw the skateboard at him because the man was attacking him with a screwdriver," he said.
Richard alleges Silcock stabbed one teenager with a screwdriver. Police won't say what evidence was retrieved from the scene, but say so far, no stabbing victim has come forward.
All four teens remain in custody. All four were on probation for other crimes at the time of their arrest.
Three other teenagers asked to talk with a detective at the Huntington Beach Police Department on Monday. Police say they took the teens' statement, but there have been no other arrests made.
Anyone with information about the fight is urged to call the Huntington Beach Police Department at (714) 536-5971.
