3 Held in Beating, Carjacking Attempt

An 18-year-old man and two 17-year-old boys were in custody Sunday, accused of beating a man during an attempted carjacking, Ventura police said.

Thomas Tu’uu and two youths, all of Ventura and described as known gang members, were arrested shortly after the crime, police said.

The victim, who asked not to be identified, was getting out of his car about 8:30 p.m. Saturday in the 100 block of Bell Way when the three allegedly approached him and began beating him in an attempt to get his car keys. Several people responded to the victim’s pleas for help, but the assailants escaped after pulling a handgun, police said.

The victim suffered minor injuries and did not require medical attention.

The three were arrested a short time later and identified by the victim and several witnesses, authorities said.

Tu’uu was booked into Ventura County Jail, and the other two suspects were taken to Juvenile Hall, police said.