Police Search For Suspects After Man Is Attacked In Chelsea Park
CHELSEA (CBS) – Police are searching for at least one suspect after an off-duty security guard was hit in the head with a baseball bat in the area of a Chelsea park. It happened around 11:30 a.m. Monday near the Mary O'Malley Park tennis courts on Commandants Way at Admirals Hill.
The man, who is approximately 20 years old, was rushed to Mass General Hospital with life-threatening injuries, according to Chelsea Police Chief Brian Kyes.
The weapon used in the attack was thrown into the Island End River behind the tennis courts, police said. A Massachusetts State Police dive team appeared to retrieve a bat.
An off-duty firefighter who witnessed the attack told WBZ-TV the victim was hit so hard in the chest that he was thrown to the ground. He was unconscious, bleeding from the back of the head, and had unstable breathing when the firefighter reached him.
"He was just laying down. We drove in and just sat right there. And then, the next thing we know we see the ranger walking up," added Steven Rhodes, another witness. "I think it's a shame if you ask me. You have kids coming. You have babies coming. It's tragic that you have to use violence to do something when you can just clearly walk away from the situation."
The suspects ran down Commandants Way toward Spruce Street.
Police described the suspect as a Hispanic man in his early 20s. He had a husky build and was wearing black shorts, a black t-shirt, and a black hat. Chief Kyes said the man was with a woman, who was also in her early 20s, with dirty blond hair. She was wearing green shorts and an unknown colored top.
A neighbor who knows the victim says she's heartbroken by the attack. "I know he's not doing good. I spoke with his mother and we're trying to be there for them and support them with whatever they need."
Residents in the area say they know many of the security guards who patrol on a daily basis. "It's very upsetting," said Adrian Cordoso. "Everybody is a familiar face over here. We see these guys every day."
State Police said the victim was in critical condition Monday night.
