A 14-year-old boy sought in the attempted murder and torture of an elderly woman at a retirement home in Hemet was detained late Thursday, police announced.
The incident took place at the gated Camelot Independent Senior Living Community at 800 W. Oakland Ave. (map) just after 3 a.m. on April 17, Hemet police stated in a news release.
An 87-year-old woman who was asleep in her home awoke to find she was being burglarized.
Two teens then attacked her, including pouring bleach on her, Hemet police Lt. Dean Evans said.
The woman remained in an intensive-care unit in critical condition on Thursday, a week after the brutal beating, he said.
“This is a very egregious attack. This lady was severely beaten,” Evans said. “Both of these kids are just a menace.”
A 15-year-old boy was located the same day and attempted to flee from officers on foot, but was arrested. He was booked into Southwest Juvenile Hall in connection with the attack, according to the news release.
Through further investigation, authorities identified the second alleged attacker as a 14-year-old boy and they posted a “wanted” flyer asking for help finding him.
He was taken into custody Thursday night by police at a hotel in Temecula, according to Lt. Dean Evens of the Hemet Police Department.
The boy was being held at the Hemet station and was expected to be transferred to Southwest Juvenile Hall, Evens said.
The two teens were allegedly vandalizing cars in the parking lot before breaking into the woman’s home and attacking her, Evans said.
The retirement community is gated and it was not clear how the boys got in, he added.
The attack was announced by the Hemet Police Department on April 18, but the wanted flyer was issued by police on Thursday. It stated the 14-year-old was wanted for attempted murder and torture.
Anyone with information was asked to contact detectives at 951-634-1221 or 951-765-2400.
KTLA’s Melissa Pamer contributed to this article.
NOTE: After the 14-year-old suspected in this crime was taken into custody, KLTA removed his name and image from this article because he is a minor.
