A former pro wrestler was brutally beaten and kicked by a group of young men in California earlier this week, police said.
The victim has been identified as Tom Magee, a retired strongman competitor and contender in the World Wrestling Federation. Magee, who’s more than 6 feet tall, was a force to be reckoned with in his heyday, having once set a world record with a 1,180-pound deadlift.
Despite his impressive past, police say Magee, who will turn 60 in July, didn’t stand a chance against an onslaught of fists and feet delivered by six young men Tuesday morning.
The beating, which occurred outside Magee’s Mar Vista home, was so severe, according to police, that it left him with a broken jaw, broken eye socket and concussion.
Officer Christopher No with the Los Angeles Police Department told HuffPost a “neighborhood dispute” led to the incident.
“There was an altercation and Magee got assaulted and beaten,” No said.
Witnesses told local news outlets that the dispute began over the use of a parking space. It is still unclear who started the dispute.
“They were literally kicking him, punching him in the face and in the head,” a neighbor, who did not wish to be identified, told CBS Los Angeles.
The men reportedly ran off when neighbors rushed to Magee’s aid.
As of Friday, two arrests have been made in the case. Officer No identified them as Justin Lee, 20, and Degrate Bryant, also 20. Both face charges of causing great bodily injury.
Magee’s neighbor told CBS Los Angeles the suspects should face severe penalties.
“If we wouldn’t have come out here I don’t know if he would be alive,” she said. “To look at his face ― if you saw his face right now and saw what they were doing to him, he’s really lucky to be alive.”
Police said Magee was left lying on the ground semi-conscious and was hospitalized for his injuries. By Thursday he was back home recovering, according to local news.
The investigation is ongoing, and police say additional arrests are possible. Anyone with information on the alleged assault is asked to contact the Los Angeles Police Department at 877-275-5273.
Send David Lohr an email or follow him on Facebook and Twitter.
Support HuffPost
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
At HuffPost, we believe that everyone needs high-quality journalism, but we understand that not everyone can afford to pay for expensive news subscriptions. That is why we are committed to providing deeply reported, carefully fact-checked news that is freely accessible to everyone.
Whether you come to HuffPost for updates on the 2024 presidential race, hard-hitting investigations into critical issues facing our country today, or trending stories that make you laugh, we appreciate you. The truth is, news costs money to produce, and we are proud that we have never put our stories behind an expensive paywall.
Would you join us to help keep our stories free for all? Your contribution of as little as $2 will go a long way.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you’ll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Support HuffPostAlready contributed? Log in to hide these messages.