SARASOTA – A group of teenagers reportedly attacked two people early Thursday at Payne Park. One of the victims an off-duty Sarasota police officer.
“These big, big kids started beating some big dude,” says Scott Lunt.
Zach Farley and his friends often come to Payne Park to skate. Neither was ready for what happened next.
“I saw this guy running and there’s these kids messing with this homeless guy and I didn’t know what to think of it so I was just paying attention very close and then they started at this other guy running and then a fight broke out,“ says Farley.
According to The Sarasota police department around noon a group of teenagers’ began to attack a homeless person – that’s when the off-duty police officer stepped in.
“The guy was just kinda trying to protect himself, and come up the trail this way and then I saw him go to the police station to see if everything was okay,” says Farley. He’s one of the few people who witnessed the attack.
Mike Patterson experienced living on the streets before. He says he can’t believe the disrespect towards people in need and law enforcement.
“That’s disrespectful, I mean the cops stand up for somebody that’s down and out, and as a community we should stand up and help those that are less fortunate than us. You shouldn’t take advantage of the situation,” says Patterson.
Authorities report the five teenagers left the scene after the attack. The officer suffered minor injuries and the other person has no reported injuries.
Anyone with information on this case is asked to contact Sarasota Crime Stoppers.
