MULBERRY, Fla. – The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has arrested four teenagers in connection with the brutal beating of a 35-year-old Mulberry man earlier this week. The attack, which occurred on Monday, May 5, 2025, left the victim with serious facial injuries, including a broken nose, broken jaw, multiple lacerations, and significant swelling.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the victim was initially uncooperative after his wife reported the incident around 11:40 pm on Monday.
However, on May 8th, detectives spoke with the victim, who recounted being confronted by four juveniles and beaten after talking to a male at a car wash located at 3800 N. Church Avenue in Mulberry. The victim stated he walked home after regaining consciousness.
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As the investigation progressed, detectives identified a witness and the four suspects, and a cell phone video of the beating was obtained.
Sheriff Grady Judd described the video 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.”
WATCH:
The four suspects were arrested on Thursday, May 8th. They are identified as:
- Eathan Ryne Simmons, 18, Mulberry: Charged with attempted 2nd degree murder, aggravated battery with bodily harm, rioting, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
- Westlee Austin Davis II, 18, Mulberry: Charged with attempted 2nd degree murder, aggravated battery with bodily harm, rioting, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
- Robert Frerichs, 17, Mulberry: Charged with attempted 2nd degree murder, aggravated battery with bodily harm, and rioting.
- Dalton Ivory Creach, 19, Lakeland: Charged with rioting and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
During interviews, the suspects told detectives they confronted the victim for bothering an autistic friend, stating they were protective of him. Authorities are still working to identify the unknown autistic friend and another male who were present but not involved in the attack.
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