Full Breakdown
San Bernardino Hot-Tub Assault: Teens Charged After Parents Turn Them In
8/24/2026, 11:43:00 AM
The Incident
In mid-August, a 48-year-old man was attacked while relaxing in a hot-tub at the Creekside Village Apartments in San Bernardino, California. Surveillance footage captured two 13-year-old boys approaching the victim from behind; one kicked him in the head, knocking his glasses and earbuds into the water, while the other seized his $800 cellphone. The victim suffered a concussion and has been unable to return to work as a chef.
Law-Enforcement Response
San Bernardino Police Lieutenant Chris Gray said detectives reviewed the apartment-complex video, confirming the actions of the two youths. Both teenagers were arrested on suspicion of robbery, and the boy who delivered the kick faces an additional felony-battery charge. Their parents voluntarily reported them to police on the Friday following the assault.
Victim’s Perspective
Greg Medina, the victim, described the physical impact of the kick and the lingering health effects, noting dizzy spells, headaches, and a diagnosis of post-concussion disorder. He also detailed his emotional response, emphasizing forgiveness and gratitude toward the teens’ parents for turning their children in.
Data & Statistics
- Suspects: Two male minors, each 13 years old.
- Victim: 48-year-old male, single father, chef at Lutheran Social Services (a nonprofit serving the homeless).
- Injuries: Concussion; ongoing post-concussion symptoms.
- Property loss: Cellphone valued at approximately $800, not recovered.
- Charges: Both teens face robbery charges; one also faces a felony-battery charge.
- Custody: The youths are held over the weekend pending a judicial appearance.
Official Statements & Responses
Lt. Gray confirmed that the parents of both suspects contacted the department and turned their children over, describing the decision as “hard” for the families. He also noted that the teenagers apologized in person, resulting in an embrace and his forgiveness.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I felt a large jolt in the back of my head that sent me forward, knocked my glasses out, knocked my earbuds out. So I got up and chased them,” — Friday. Greg Medina — Greg Medina
- “I've been having a lot of dizzy spells, headaches and got diagnosed with post-concussion disorder,” — Friday. Greg Medina — Greg Medina
- “They apologized to me, and we shared an embrace and a hug and told them I forgive them,” — Friday. Greg Medina — Greg Medina
- “I never once raised my voice or yelled at them or belittled them. I wanted them to know that they were loved and I do forgive them,” — Friday. Greg Medina — Greg Medina
What’s Next
The two minors remain in custody and are scheduled to appear before a judge later this week. Their case will proceed through the juvenile-justice system, with potential sentencing pending the outcome of the upcoming hearing.
