Virginia Beach, Va. - James Sparks is now recovering. He got out of surgery on Tuesday after being robbed and assaulted so severely, his jaw had to be wired shut.

He was attacked on Princess Anne Road at around 1:30 a.m. Monday in what he believes was a set-up.

He says he was attacked when he got out of his car to move traffic barrels that seemed out of place.

"I guess call me naïve, I wouldn't have even thought of something that devious, that was honestly devious."

It's hard for James Sparks to believe what happened to him in the community he grew up in - robbed and assaulted so severely, his jaw had to be wired shut.

"Got away with my life."

It was around 1:30 a.m. Monday.

After a late night trip to IHOP with friends, Sparks was driving down Princess Anne Road, where long-term construction is taking place.

He's used to seeing the traffic barrels - but these seemed out of place - so he got out to move them.

"I made the mistake of getting out of the vehicle."

Sparks says two men jumped him - taking his phone and wallet.

"I'm pretty sure it was a set-up, to get either cars, money, or anything that they possibly could off an individual."

The injuries from the beating were extensive.

"My eye was completely swollen shut, I had blood from head to toe," he says.

But even that isn't as bad as what he fears it could have been.

"From what was said, one indivudal wanted to shoot me, I used his buddy as a meat guard."

When another car drove up - Sparks got away - finding help at a nearby bar that he knew would still be open.

Through it all - his attitude is remarkable. Though he wants to see the men caught.

"I wouldn't lie, I want the full extent of the law to be pressed, the reason being because you have to answer for the actions that you decide to do."

He's not holding on to anger.

"I forgive these individuals because this may be what they were trained to do, this may be what they've been doing their whole life, they don't know any different, I forgive these people."