4 Suspected in Attack on Missionaries

Two Mormon missionaries were recuperating Friday from injuries suffered when they were beaten and robbed after a day of church recruitment.

Jason Lewis, 19, and James Byrom, 20, both from Simi Valley, were attacked about 5:45 p.m. Wednesday in the 2900 block of Royal Avenue in Simi Valley.

A Newbury Park man and three Simi Valley juveniles were arrested on suspicion of attacking the men.

“They wanted money and the bicycles,” said Sgt. Bob Gardner. “[The victims’] status as missionaries was not a factor in the robbery.”

Michael Piper, 20, who listed a Newbury Park motel as his address, was booked into Ventura County Jail on suspicion of robbery and felony assault, police said.

A 15-year-old juvenile was booked at Ventura County Juvenile Hall on suspicion of the same offenses, police said.

The two other juveniles--ages 15 and 16--were released with a citation to appear before a probation officer on suspicion of the same offenses, police said.

Lewis and Byrom were at the gate of the Simi Equestrian Center when the suspects allegedly approached them asking for money, police said.

When the victims refused, they were assaulted, police said.

One of the juveniles allegedly struck Lewis on the head with a fist, knocking him down, police said. When he got up, he was allegedly struck again in the head, police said.

Piper and another juvenile then approached Byrom and hit him on the head, police said.

The suspects allegedly continued to assault both victims with fists, knees and feet, police said. The suspects fled after a witness, whom police did not identify, ran to the scene.

Lewis’ bicycle was stolen, and it had not been recovered as of Friday evening.

A nursing supervisor at Simi Valley Hospital said Lewis and Byrom were treated and released Wednesday.