NEDERLAND, Texas — Nederland police are investigating the attack on a young man with special needs that happened this week outside the recreational center at Doornbos Park in Nederland.
Relatives confirmed that the beating left the man in the hospital with serious injuries to both sides of his face.
Police said the suspect is a 14-year-old teenager who could face serious consequences.
Family on social media said Keyton Daws is being treated at a Galveston hospital following what Nederland police are calling an assault.
Family and friends are taking to Facebook to share photos of 26-year-old Daws. His mom said both sides of his jaw are fractured.
So, how did this happen?
Nederland Police Chief Gary Porter said the assault on Daws took place Wednesday afternoon at Doornbos Park in Nederland.
"As best we can tell, so far it wasn't any kind of a gang-related thing,” Porter said. “There was no weapons involved. It was just some sort of disturbance or disagreement as far as we know right now."
It's too early to tell if bullying was involved in the attack, according to Porter.
"I cannot tell you one way or the other on that,” he said. “I don't know exactly what the details are and it would be really unethical and improper for me to say so right now."
Porter said Nederland Police have zeroed in on a 14-year-old suspect and are talking to his family but have not yet made an arrest.
When they do, the teen could face serious charges, since Daws has special needs.
"As far as any type of criminal prosecution goes, there's special considerations for elderly and people who are disabled or mentally disabled," Porter said
Back on Facebook, Daws' family said the community's outpouring of love and support will help them with the healing.
Daws' mother took to Facebook, saying her son was hoping to come home on Friday, but he remains in the hospital taking oral pain medication and recovering from Wednesday’s attack.
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This is a developing story. We will update with more if and when we receive more confirmed information.