DALLAS - A Dallas man is back home after spending nearly two weeks in the hospital. The 21-year-old was vacationing at South Padre Island to celebrate his birthday when a group of men attacked him.
"All the people that really did care about me, loved me," Derek Madrigal said. "I was excited to come home."
The bloody attack happened when Madrigal tried to defend a young woman, who apparently was being harassed. When he stepped in, several men started beating Madrigal with coolers. They also punched and stabbed him.
The violence was caught on several cell phone cameras. Two people pulled the college student to safety.
"[I had] sand and blood in my eyes, like I couldn't see anything," Madrigal said. "I remember bits and pieces though."
Investigators arrested Michael Rangel, 33, from San Antonio. He's the only suspect charged.
South Padre Island Police Chief Randy Smith told News 8 Thursday that detectives are making progress. Madrigal and his family are confident there will be more arrests.
"Justice, that's what I really want," Madrigal said. "I just don't want it to happen again."
And, despite his injuries, Madrigal is convinced he did the right thing. When asked if he would do it again, he replied, "Yes, of course."
E-mail mdiaz@wfaa.com
