Parents of an 18-year-old attacked over the weekend inside their home in Bel Air are thanking the community for its support.
Police arrested the two men accused of the assault.
18-year-old Alex Folmer is recovering at the hospital after police say two men broke into he and his family's house on the 400 block of Moores Mill Road while he was sleeping and beat him up, even using a hammer in the process.
Visibly shaken, but standing strong -- Dan and Tina Folmer say their oldest boy is fighting.
"The love and prayers is what we need the most. We really feel as though Alex's health, right now, is thanks to that," Tina said, holding back tears, thinking of her son Alex.
Bel Air police say Alex was attacked between 11:00 p.m. Saturday to 1:00 a.m. Sunday.
The suspects forced entry into the home through a side door.
Two men, 18 year olds Ryan Smetana and Ian Heinecke, are accused of punching and kicking Alex -- even using a hammer to hit him for what investigators say was 'retaliation.'
"Choices were probably made by people, maybe even our son, to make bad choices sometimes, but nobody asks for this to be victimized in their home, to have his entire life altered," Tina said.
Police aren't sure of the specifics of the so-called retaliation, but say Alex was able to point out the two men.
"The victim was aware of who his attackers were. He actually identified them for us," Det. Cpl. Matthew Guillion said.
While Alex was the only person home, officers think Smetana and Heinecke left behind thousands of dollars worth of damage to the house and Alex's music instruments.
"During this whole incident, there's approximately about 3,000 more dollars worth of damage also done to the house. So we're still trying to unravel the whole motive," Guillion said.
A pointless motive, according to Dan, who says whatever the reason, the problem should've never come to this.
"He's alive and we're going to get through all of this. That's what matters," Dan said.
Alex is in stable condition. Police haven't released the specifics of his injuries, but his parents say he'll pull through.
Both suspects have been issued the following charges:
- Home invasion
- Burglary - Third Degree
- Burglary - 4th Degree
- Assault 1st Degree
- Assault 2nd Degree
- Reckless Endangerment
- Malicious Destruction Property Value + 1,000
