Disabled Navy vet beaten while trying to save turtle

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. Two men and a boy are accused of beating up a disabled U.S. Navy veteran who asked them to stop abusing a turtle, the Daytona Beach Police Department said.

One of the men, 18-year-old Johnnie Beveritt, picked up the turtle and slammed it to the ground, a witness told police, according to WKMG-TV. The other man, 23-year-old Ryan Ponder, and the 16-year-old boy kicked the turtle when it was on the ground, the witness said.

The suspects attacked Gary Blough, who served in the Persian Gulf War, when he told his wife to call police, according to the police report.

Blough suffered a broken skull and facial bones, internal bleeding and a concussion, first responders said. The turtle died from its injuries.

The three suspects are charged with aggravated battery and animal cruelty.