Authorities in Twentynine Palms are actively searching for a man accused of the aggravated battery of a 14-year-old boy. The incident, which occurred on Thursday afternoon, left the young victim with serious injuries.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department stated that around 2:18 p.m., deputies responded to Sunnyslope Drive at La Buena Tierra Avenue. The unnamed juvenile had been walking home from school when a man, described only as a black male adult between the ages of 30 and 40, approached and savagely attacked the boy, resulting in multiple injuries including to his face, head, and neck, according to a press release by Morongo Basin Sheriff's Department.
First responders provided medical attention at the scene and the boy was later transported to the hospital for further treatment. The suspect, who fled after the assault, was last seen wearing a burgundy hoodie, jeans, and black sneakers. The sheriff's department has released this description hoping that community members might provide information leading to his identification and arrest.
The case is still under investigation and officials are urging anyone with information to come forward. Deputy A. Coakley is the point of contact at the Morongo Basin Station and can be reached at 760-366-4175, or, for those preferring to remain anonymous, through We-Tip at 1-888-78-CRIME.
