"This thing went from zero to 100 like that:" Racine man assaulted by group of teens in his own yard



RACINE (WITI) -- A man attacked by a mob of teenagers in Racine says he'd be dead if they would have had a weapon. He is the victim of what appears to be a random assault.

The man tells FOX6 News he was cleaning up his backyard after a weekend barbecue when a group of teens walking by started throwing out words, and then punches.

Jim Chiappetta says his home on Park Street doesn't attract trouble.

In fact, he says his dogs don't even like to fight.

But like typical dogs -- when someone walks by, Chiappetta's dogs make noise.

It was two weeks ago when police say six teens -- apparently not happy with Chiappetta's dogs, did some barking of their own.

"They started using hard language, and threatening like they were going to kill my dogs," Chiappetta said.

In just moments, the verbal fight turned physical.

"I called my dogs back, and it was basically -- 'get off my property.' This thing went from zero to 100 like that," Chiappetta said.

Chiappetta says he was jumped , punched, and kicked by multiple teens.

"What scares me if there was a weapon involved -- I'm laying dead in my front yard," Chiappetta said.

Now, Racine police are asking for help in bringing Chiappetta's attackers to justice.

Chiappetta tells FOX6 News he was told the teens likely came from a huge group, broken up by police minutes earlier a couple blocks away.

"There was one girl in the group.  God bless her.  She was trying to call these guys off," Chiappetta said.

Chiappetta says in the midst of the punches being thrown -- he didn't see much.

The suspects are described as African-American -- between the ages of 15 and 18 year old -- one being at least 6'2".

A tip leading to an arrest could mean a cash reward.

Chiappetta says he's hoping the teens learn a lesson.

"I would hope someone that engages in this activity, wake up and realize this could be them.  This could be their brother, their sister, or their father," Chiappetta said.

Chiappetta says he took a couple of good shots to the head -- but he's okay.

Those with a tip leading to an arrest could receive a cash reward of up to $1,000 -- and can remain anonymous.

If you have information that could help police in this case, you're asked to contact Racine County Crime Stoppers at 1-888-636-9330. You can also submit a tip online by CLICKING HERE.