Moss Beach Man Accused of Attacking Two Boys Remains in Custody

Austin Krieger, 18, of Moss Beach, the young man accused of leading an attack on two eighth graders in Montara early last month, will return to court Thursday for a second arraignment, setting of jury trial and pretrial conferences dates, according to San Mateo County District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe. 

Krieger is charged with four felonies, including assault, threats and two counts of robbery. The prosecutors added a second assault charge against Krieger on May 22 during a preliminary hearing on the grounds that he had attacked both boys. Krieger pleaded not guilty to the crimes, stating that the fight was mutual. He faces the possibility of 10 years or more in prison.

The incident occurred around 4 p.m. on May 4 when the boys, ages 13 and 14, were approached by two older males who made some derogatory remarks at them. The boys responded to the older males and reportedly threw pinecones at their car at which time they were chased into a wooded area in the Rancho Corral De Tierra Preserve area just north of Farallone View Elementary. The victims attempted to hide from the suspects, however, they were found by the two males and allegedly beaten and robbed.

The investigation led to the identity of Krieger, who was contacted on Thursday, May 9, in the evening and arrested. At the time of the attack, Krieger was out on bail on a charge of possessing a loaded firearm.

According to a report in the Half Moon Bay Review, the boys suffered from sever injuries including a broken nose, fractured eye socket, concussion, four chipped teeth and an array of cuts and bruises leaving the two eighth-graders unable to attend school and with injuries that may have done permanent damage. 

Authorities are continuing to search for a second suspect. He is described as a Caucasian male between 15 and 19, about 5-foot-8 and with shoulder-length brown hair.

The defendant remains in custody on $350,000 bail.