Police are asking those who witnessed the beating attack that left a 14-year-old unconscious on Halloween night to "do the right thing and come forward."
The boy, whose name was not released, was beaten and robbed by at least four people in Hemet on Monday night, according to the Hemet Police Department.
The attack took place around 9:10 p.m. on the 3400 block of Mustang Way, just a short distance from West Valley High School.
The victim was walking in the neighborhood with friends when a group of 30-40 juveniles confronted them.
At least four people from the large group assaulted the boy. He was kicked in the head and lost consciousness, police said.
The suspects severely beat the boy, his family said. He suffered several facial fractures and received 17 stitches on the back of his head, they added.
When he regained consciousness, he asked a passerby to call his family. The boy's family rushed to the scene and took him to the hospital.
News
Top news of the day
Family members told NBC4 that the suspects also took the victim's Halloween candy, watch earrings and money.
"We know there are plenty of witnesses who stood by and watched this attack," Hemet Police Chief Dave Brown said. "We are asking they do the right thing and come forward and assist us with identifying the suspects."
On Wednesday, a friend of the family, Melissa Sue Kelly, was taking donations outside the Hemet Post Office.
A candlelight vigil was planned for Wednesday night at Mary Henley Park in Hemet.
Anyone with information regarding the attack was asked to call the Hemet Police Department at 951-765-2400.
