UPDATE (Friday, Nov. 11): 5 teens arrested — another sought — in Hemet Halloween attack

Hemet police asked for the public’s assistance Wednesday in identifying the youths responsible for beating a 14-year-old boy unconscious on Halloween night and leaving him with injuries that his family said required surgery.

As many as 30 were present, Hemet police said in a news release.

“We know there are plenty of witnesses who stood by and watched this attack,” Police Chief Dave Brown is quoted as saying. “We are asking they do the right thing and come forward and assist us with identifying the suspects.”

Police urged anyone with information to call a detective at 951-765-2426.

The attack happened about 9:10 p.m. Monday in the 3400 block of Mustang Way, near Warren Road and about a mile and a half west of West Valley High School.

Police said the victim was walking with a couple of friends when they were confronted by a group of 15 to 30 juveniles, who began harassing the smaller group.

Words turned to punches and kicks by about four people in the larger group, police said in the release. The victim fell to the ground, where he was kicked in the head and lost consciousness.

When the boy regained consciousness a few minutes later, he asked a passerby to call his family, who took him to a hospital, police said.

Family members told NBC4 that the boy suffered facial fractures and needed 17 stitches on the back of his head. He underwent surgery Wednesday morning, and is alert and talking. Relatives said his attackers took his candy, watch and money.