SAN BERNARDINO — Two 13-year-olds are facing felony charges after San Bernardino police said their parents brought them in following an assault on a man who was using a jacuzzi at an apartment complex earlier this month.
Police said the incident happened on Aug. 14 at the Creekside Village Apartments. Surveillance video reviewed by investigators showed one of the juveniles striking the man and the other taking his phone, authorities said. The victim later was diagnosed with a concussion.
How authorities say the attack unfolded
According to investigators, the victim was relaxing in the complex's spa when the two teens approached. Video evidence captures one teen delivering a kick to the victim’s head while the second grabbed the victim's phone. The surveillance footage was a key element that led to identification and the subsequent involvement of the youths' parents.
"The victim suffered a concussion in the attack."
Authorities have not released the names of the suspects or the victim because the suspects are minors and the case remains under investigation. Police said both 13-year-olds are in custody and face felony charges tied to the assault and theft.
Community and legal context
Incidents of juvenile violence raise questions about supervision, accountability and safety in apartment communities. Parents bringing their children to police after alleged involvement in a violent act indicates cooperation with law enforcement, but also underscores concerns about youth behavior and the potential for more serious consequences when assaults involve weapons, severe injuries or theft.
Under California law, juveniles can be charged with felonies, and prosecutors can seek to try minors in juvenile or adult court depending on factors such as the severity of the offense, prior record and the defendant’s age. Because the suspects are 13, many procedural protections and juvenile justice considerations will apply. San Bernardino residents may expect follow-up from both police and the county's juvenile services as the case moves through the system.
- Date of incident: Aug. 14
- Location: Creekside Village Apartments, San Bernardino
- Suspects: Two 13-year-olds, in custody and facing felony charges
- Injuries: Victim sustained a concussion; phone was stolen
Police provided only limited details publicly, citing the ongoing investigation and the juvenile status of the suspects. Residents of the Creekside Village complex and nearby neighborhoods expressed concern on social media about safety in shared amenity areas such as pools and spas.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Incident date | Aug. 14 |
| Suspect ages | 13 years old (two juveniles) |
| Charges | Felony charges (under investigation) |
| Reported injury | Concussion |
Law enforcement has not indicated whether additional arrests are expected or whether the stolen phone has been recovered. The San Bernardino Police Department continues to investigate and has asked anyone with additional information or footage to come forward.
For residents, the episode is a reminder to monitor youth activity and to secure personal items in communal spaces. It also highlights the role of surveillance cameras in resolving crimes, as the footage played a central role in identifying the suspects and prompting parental involvement.
As the case progresses, details about formal charging decisions and potential court dates will be released by prosecutors and juvenile authorities. The department has not released further statements beyond confirming the arrests and the victim's injury.
WE NEWS will continue to follow the investigation and report updates as public information becomes available.
