HOWELL — Police are not commenting on the motive that led to an alleged assault on a Howell teenager at his home on Georgia Tavern Road.
Howell Police Detective Sgt. Eileen Dodd this week confirmed that a cellphone was stolen from the 18-year-old male by four males who attacked him at his residence shortly before 7 p.m. July 15.
Dodd said she would not comment on a possible motive for the attack.
The four suspects fled the scene after injuring the teenager with baseball bats, but they were quickly apprehended by officers who responded to 911 calls that were made by several individuals, according to police.
The suspects were charged with armed robbery, aggravated assault and possession of a weapon for unlawful purposes.
Police have identified the suspects as Christopher Favale, 19, of Manalapan, Michael Leone, 18, of Freehold Township, a 16-year-old male from Freehold Township and a 17-year-old male from Manalapan.
Police said an initial investigation into the incident determined that the four suspects went to the home intending to confront the 18-year-old male resident.
When the teenager exited his home, he was set upon by the four suspects. The suspects allegedly punched and kicked the teenager and assaulted him with wood baseball bats and aluminum baseball bats before leaving the scene, police said.
A knife that was reported to have been involved in the incident was not located.
The teenager sustained bruising, redness and swelling to his abdomen, back and face. He was transported to CentraState Medical Center, Freehold Township, for treatment.