Family: young man is in medically-induced coma following attack

An 18-year-old man from Rancho Mirage is in critical condition and police are searching for the suspects who left him in a medically-induced coma.

Trey O’Connor is battling at the hospital with serious head trauma he sustained at a party early Sunday morning in the 100 block of Azzuro Drive, near the Palm Desert Resort Country Club.

Police have been investigating the incident as a hit and run crash, but according to his family members, he was attacked during the party. He will remain in the medically-induced coma for up to seven to ten days, his family members said Tuesday.

His family has set up a Go Fund Me account to help with Trey’s medical costs. Meanwhile, they ask anyone who has information about the attack that

It happened just before 3 a.m. and the driver fled the scene after hitting the man.

Riverside County sheriff’s deputies initially detained two suspects but they have since been released. Authorities continue to investigate the incident as Trey O’Connor remains hospitalized in critical condition.

“We do have the vehicle that was involved we’re investigating this as a hit and run at this point. Two people were initially detained but those people have not been arrested,” said Mike Vasquez with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.

Richard O’Connor, Trey’s father, said he has a good idea who’s responsible.

“I know who did this. I’m not exactly sure what was used as the weapon, whether it was the truck, a rock or a bat. But we know what happened,” O’Connor said.

But as the investigation continues, he’s focusing on his son.

“He’s in critical condition. He’s in an induced coma. He had four hours of brain surgery that was successful. We believe that he’s getting better,” O’Connor said.