A homeless man asleep on the beach in South Laguna was severely beaten and robbed by three men early Tuesday, police said.
Larry Whitmarsh, 53, told police that while sleeping at Table Rock Beach, he was accosted about 3 a.m. by three men who beat him with their fists, a bottle and a stick. They also stole his jacket and wallet, police said.
An unidentified man who had gone to the beach about 7 a.m. to take photographs heard a plea for help and spotted a figure wrapped in a blanket. He said the victim told him he was having trouble breathing.
Whitmarsh suffered severe facial injuries in the beating and was taken by helicopter to Mission Hospital Regional Medical Center in Mission Viejo.
Anyone with information is asked to call Laguna Beach Police at (949) 497-0701.
