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Helicopter Witnesses Teen Beating, Leads Police To Suspects

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HIALEAH (CBSMiami) –  Three 17-year-old boys, accused of attacking a teen in Hialeah Gardens, robbing him and then dumping him on a dirt road, have been taken into custody.

Friday morning, all three faced a judge. In juvenile court, Judge Robert Prescott ordered two of the 17-year-olds, Julian Valentin and Yelian Perez, held under house arrest. Zabdi Gil was sent to secure detention, because he was already on probation for another offense.

The state said it is considering charging all three as adults.

Just a day before, Chopper4 found the bizarre scene.

The 18-year-old victim, face covered in blood, was spotted walking alone in a field off of the Turnpike and 170th Street.

Hialeah Gardens Police said he was in a red pickup truck with three younger teens when they attacked and robbed him. They then kicked him out of the truck.

"They decided to start beating up on this kid. They took his book bag and at that point they fled the scene," said Hialeah Gardens police Captain Douglas Zamora.

Unbeknownst to them, Chopper4 followed the truck to a shopping plaza off of 58th Street and 69th Avenue.

The three guys got out of the truck, looked up and realized they're being watched.

They walked around the shopping plaza, one of them even walked into a store.

The truck's owner then showed up. Police brought the 18-year-old to the shopping center where he was treated for his injuries.

The police credited Chopper 4 for leading them to the suspects.

"They witnessed this and they kept giving the location of the vehicle. We did apprehend everybody," said Zamora.

The teens were arrested and face a number of charges including felony robbery, grand theft, and battery.

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