Beating victim ‘not in good shape’ officer says

A Costa Mesa man remained in the hospital Monday in life-threatening condition, two days after he was attacked outside a convenience store early Saturday, police said.

Fateh Farouk Abdeljalil, 22, was taken to Western Medical Center in Santa Ana after four men attacked him and 27-year-old Francisco Garnica of Santa Ana near the 7-11 at Harbor Boulevard and Mesa Verde Drive East early Saturday.

The two groups exchanged words, police said. Police say the four Costa Mesa residents arrested — Mario Ruelas, 18; Hugo Cardoza, 22; Amanda Chester, 20; and a 17-year-old boy — used a baseball bat and brass knuckles against Abdeljalil, causing significant head injuries, police said.

“He’s not in good shape,” Lt. Tom Curtis said Monday.

All four were booked on suspicion of attempted murder. Police said the attack may be gang related.

— Joseph Serna