Eight Residents Arrested After Targeted Assault on Peer at Psychiatric Treatment Facility
BROOKSVILLE, Fla. – Eight juveniles residing at the Brooksville Youth Academy were arrested on Saturday, September 28, 2025, after allegedly participating in a targeted battery against a fellow resident. The incident, which took place just before 4 p.m. at the psychiatric residential treatment facility (PRTF), resulted in the victim sustaining visible injuries.
Hernando County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the facility, located at 201 Culbreath Road, following reports of a battery involving multiple youths. Upon arrival, deputies spoke with the victim, a male juvenile, who reported being unexpectedly struck by a group of peers.
The victim stated he assumed the fetal position to protect himself until staff members intervened to stop the altercation. He was treated by on-site medical staff for injuries including contusions to the head, shoulder, and face, and later reported the incident to the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ).
Targeted Retaliation Claimed
A staff member confirmed that the victim was battered by multiple juvenile residents while on the ground, noting that there was no prior observable altercation before the attack.
Several of the involved juveniles reportedly admitted to participating in the assault. One juvenile alleged the group had become frustrated due to recent facility-wide consequences related to the behavior of others, and they chose to target the victim out of retaliation.
The Brooksville Youth Academy provides residential treatment programs for male youth, ages 13 to 17, who have mental health and behavioral needs, with some residents being court-ordered and others placed voluntarily.
Prior Calls for Service Noted
Following the investigation, eight juveniles were arrested for battery. They were subsequently released back into the custody of the Brooksville Youth Academy, as directed by the DJJ.
The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office also noted a significant history of incidents at the location, having responded to 153 calls for service at the facility between January 1st and August 31st, 2025.
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