A chef in San Bernardino, California, has forgiven two 13-year-old boys who attacked him in a hot tub and stole his phone, an incident authorities believe was staged for a TikTok video. Gregory Medina was relaxing in his apartment complex's hot tub on the evening of August 14, after a day spent cooking for the homeless, when the teenagers approached him from behind.
Surveillance footage captured one of the boys kicking Medina in the back of the head while the other snatched his phone before they fled. Medina, who was listening to a lecture through AirPods as he is a student, had his glasses and AirPods dislodged by the unprovoked assault. He attempted to pursue the attackers but was unable to catch them. After reporting the incident to the police, Medina used his phone's tracking feature to locate it at a nearby apartment complex, though authorities could not pinpoint the exact unit. The teenagers later admitted to discarding the phone.
Medina was treated at an emergency room and diagnosed with a concussion. As a single father and the sole provider for his 12-year-old daughter, he was unable to take time off work despite experiencing severe headaches, dizziness, and neck and shoulder pain. A GoFundMe campaign was organized by his sister to help cover his lost income and medical expenses.
A week after the attack, the parents of the two boys turned them in to the police. One of the fathers also contacted Medina to apologize. "He was very apologetic and saying his son made a stupid mistake, but he understands that he did need to be held accountable," Medina told KABC.
Both 13-year-old suspects were arrested on felony robbery charges. The boy who kicked Medina in the head also faces an assault charge. The San Bernardino Police Department charged both teens with robbery, and the one who initiated the physical assault was also charged with assault.
Medina met with the teenagers at the San Bernardino Police station. During their conversation, the boys reportedly admitted that the attack was for a TikTok video. Medina expressed his forgiveness, stating, "I wanted them to know that they were loved and I do forgive them." He added, "They apologized to me, and we shared an embrace and a hug... I don’t hate them. These are two young men that need help."
Medina also shared his empathy for the parents' difficult decision to turn their children over to the authorities. "To turn their children in, and turn them over to the police. That had to have been hard. And it tears at my heartstrings as a father, but I understand as well," he told KABC.
According to the GoFundMe, Medina's doctor has advised him to take time off work for a full recovery. The funds raised are intended to help compensate for lost wages, cover medical bills, and replace his stolen phone. As of Monday morning, the fundraiser had garnered approximately $1,300.