Hemet Motel Manager Critically Injured in Beating

Update:

A probationer was arrested today on suspicion of severely pummeling a 68-year-old Hemet motel manager for telling him that his dog wasn't allowed in a room, leaving the victim clinging to life.

Trevel Warner, 21, of Hemet was booked into the Smith Correctional Facility in Banning on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon resulting in great bodily injury and elder abuse, according to Hemet police.

Earlier:

HEMET, CA - A Hemet motel manager who was pummeled by a guest when he told him that his dog couldn't stay was in critical condition today, as the search for the assailant continued.

Hashmukhlal Patel was attacked about 12:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Coachlight Motel in the 1600 block of Florida Avenue, according to Hemet police.

Lt. Dean Evans said that Patel spotted the suspect, whose identity had not been confirmed, going into a room with a canine to visit an individual who had been residing at the location.

"When the victim contacted the suspect and informed him that the dog was not allowed on the property, the suspect became enraged and attacked the victim," Evans said. "The suspect punched the victim in the head and face, knocking him to the ground. The suspect then jumped on the victim and continued to punch him in the head an estimated 10-20 times prior to fleeing with his dog."

Officers arrived a short time later but were unable to locate the assailant.

Patel was taken to Riverside University Medical Center in Moreno Valley, where he's receiving treatment in the intensive care unit, according to Evans.

The suspect was described as black, about 20-25 years old, six feet tall, 170 pounds, with long curly black hair.

Anyone with information was to contact the police department at (951) 765-2400.

--City News Service