One of the men who was viciously attacked last month at a South Windsor business has been released from the hospital and is sharing his story for the first time.
Ryan Kelleher and business owner, Bob Lareau, were beaten at Forced Induction Motorsports on Edwin Road last month. Lareau is still fighting to stay alive.
Kelleher was just released from the hospital after being hit in the head twice with a rifle.
He said the attack was the worst thing that ever happened to him in his entire life.
One of the suspects in the attack was upset because the owner didn't fix his car after he paid upfront, Kelleher told NBC Connecticut on Wednesday.
"I kept saying, 'I don't want to die, I think I'm going to die,'" Kelleher said.
Kelleher said he was with Lareau inside the shop at around 9 p.m. on Jan. 8, when a group of men suddenly attacked them.
"I just remember calling 911 and trying to resuscitate my friend," Kelleher said.
When police showed up to the auto shop, Kelleher tried his best to speak up.
"I kept yelling 'Nathaniel Chambers,'" he said.
Police tracked down and arrested Nathaniel Chambers quickly and said Chambers was upset because the owner didn't fix his car after he paid upfront.
Soon after that, police arrested three more suspects, who police said are Chamber's alleged accomplices.
Jose Ramos and brothers, Luis and Francisco Ruiz, were arrested and charged with the beating.
Kelleher is relieved about the arrest and thankful the suspects are all behind bars.
"They need to pay for what they've done," he said.
He also expressed his hope for his friend's recovery.
"I'm very hopeful. I pray. I have faith," Kelleher said.