Another teen arrested for attack on off-duty Sarasota officer
SARASOTA, Fla. (FOX 13) - Three of four teenagers suspected of attacking a homeless person, and then an off-duty Sarasota police officer who tried to intervene, have been arrested.
The attack happened around noon Feb. 7 in Payne Park. The Sarasota Police Department said an off-duty officer was jogging in the park when he saw a homeless person being harassed by a group of teens.
The officer told the group he was an officer and warned the teens to stop, but they instead turned on him, according to police.
Investigators say they hit the officer several times, leaving him with minor injuries, and then ran off.
One of the suspects, a 16-year-old, was arrested the next morning. Another two, a 15- and 16-year-old, were arrested the morning of Feb. 19. They each face a charge of felony battery on a law enforcement officer.
Detectives are still looking for a fourth suspect.
Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Dan Riley at 941-954-7062 or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers by calling 941-366-TIPS or online at www.sarasotacrimestoppers.com.