ANNA MARIA ISLAND, FLORIDA — A man is recovering in the hospital after being severely beaten by a group of teens around 8:30 p.m Wednesday, on an island in Florida that is a popular tourist location and what many call paradise.
Evan Purcell was with his young niece when he was attacked by the group of young men near an elementary school. Police say the group are likely high school or college aged, and were accompanied by two females who watched the attack.
His niece was able to get away and run for help.
Purcell’s family says he suffered multiple fractures to his face and is awaiting surgery. His other niece, Hailey Purcell, posted photos of her uncle on Facebook both before and after the attack.
Police have possible suspects but no additional information was available. They believe the vehicle the group was traveling in was a white Kia Sportage.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Holmes Beach Police Department 941-708-5804.
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