Man attacked by teens while trying to prevent fight at San Mateo park

Three juveniles were arrested in connection with the assault; police are working to identify a fourth suspect.

SAN MATEO – A man was assaulted Sunday night when he tried to stop a fight from happening at a park in San Mateo, police said.

Three teenagers were arrested in connection with the attack, the San Mateo Police Department said in a news release Monday. Police are working to identify a fourth suspect.

Officers were called to Central Park at 50 East 5th Ave. around 7:30 p.m. Sunday for a report of an assault, police said. They arrived to find a man suffering from several injuries to his head, face and body. He was taken to a trauma center for treatment.

An update on the man’s condition was not immediately available Monday evening.

The victim told officers he was trying to prevent a possible fight between an individual on a bicycle and a group of teenagers when he was pushed to the ground and beaten by the group. Police said the teens punched, kicked and stomped on the victim, as well as stole his cellphone when he tried to call for help.

Officers found a group of four teenage boys in the area. One escaped on foot but the others were arrested.

The suspects – one 14-year-old and two 16-year-olds – were arrested and booked into Hillcrest Juvenile Hall on charges of assault with force likely to produce great bodily injury, battery with serious bodily injury, and damaging or destroying a cellphone.

Police said the suspects were also linked to the theft of $100 worth of liquor from a Walgreen’s. The theft happened roughly 20 minutes before the attack at the park.

Check back for updates.