Police have identified two men who allegedly beat a 26-year-old Australian tourist with a skateboard, leaving him unconscious in a fire ring on Abbot Street in Ocean Beach on Wednesday, Feb. 27 at about 5:20 a.m.
San Diego police investigators said Frank Montoya, 47, and Damian Maple, 21, attacked the victim, Robert Schneider, during an argument near the lifeguard station.
Investigators said it is unclear as to the residences of the two suspects.
Montoya is described as a Hispanic male, 5 feet 5 inches, about 160 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. Maple is described as a white male, 6 feet 2 inches, 185 pounds, with blue eyes and brown hair.
Schneider suffered serious injuries to his head and body, along with second- and third- degree burns to his body, said officer Jim Johnson.
“Since the incident [Schneider] has remained in the hospital in a coma,” Johnson said, “We’re hoping that somebody comes forward and tells us where these two characters are hanging out,” Johnson said.
Police said the suspects may have frequented Ocean Beach but have probably since left the area.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call San Diego County Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-TIPS. Information may be left anonymously.
In reaction to the attack, Ocean Beach residents are currently planning a benefit dinner in April to help Schneider’s family offset travel and medical costs.
Details surrounding the benefit dinner are being finalized.