Two Teens Charged in Siesta Beach Attack

Two teenagers have been arrested and charged in a vicious attack that left another teen boy unconscious last week on Siesta Beach, authorities said Thursday.

According to witnesses, Devin Roman, 18, of Sarasota, and a 15-year-old boy attacked a 17-year-old after he tried to intervene when the two threatened to beat up his friend. The two teen suspects punched and kicked the victim several times, including after he has been knocked unconscious, according to the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office.

The 15-year-old also reportedly ordered witnesses not to help the victim, who was later airlifted to Blake Medical Center in Bradenton.

The boy suffered a fractured jaw and hearing loss in the attack, according to an arrest affidavit. An update on his condition was not immediately available Thursday.

The incident some time after midnight May 6 at the public beach.

Investigators say the two teens were overheard discussing the attack about an hour later at Walgreens, 3901 S. Tamiami Trail. "The 15-year old had blood on his hands and the two paid with a blood-stained $5 bill," Wendy Rose, sheriff's office spokesperson, said in a media release.

Roman and the 15-year-old, whose identity was not released by authorities, are charged with one count each of misdemeanor battery. It is the first arrest for both teens, the sheriff's office said.

Anyone who has additional information about the case is asked to contact Detective Kim McGath at 941-861-4928.

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