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POLK COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — Four teens were arrested Thursday after deputies said they had brutally beaten a Mulberry man on Monday night.

The attack was initially reported at 11:40 p.m. Monday by the victim’s wife. Officials said the victim was initially uncooperative with the investigation.

Detectives continued to follow up with the man, and he discussed details with the investigating deputy on Thursday.

He told the deputy that he was talking to a man at a Mulberry car wash on North Church Avenue when he was confronted by four teens and beaten. He said he walked back home after waking up from the beating.

According to deputies, the man suffered several injuries to his face, including a broken nose and broken jaw. He was eventually taken to a hospital and put in an intensive care unit.

Investigators said they were able to identify a witness and four suspects. A cell phone video was obtained that showed the beating.

“The video of the beating is hard to watch. The victim was knocked down with the first punch and rendered defenseless. The suspects continued to attack the man—they pummeled him repeatedly with a sickening rage,” Sheriff Grady Judd said.

The sheriff’s office said it arrested 18-year-old Eathan Ryne Simmons, 18-year-old Westlee Austin Davis II, 19-year-old Dalton Ivory Creach and a 17-year-old boy.

The suspects told detectives that they confronted the man “for bothering an autistic friend” and “were protective of him.”

Deputies said the autistic friend, who was with another male, did not participate in the attack. Detectives are working to identify the two males.

The 18-year-olds and the 17-year-old have been charged with attempted second-degree murder.