An 18-year-old from Port Jervis remains hospitalized after he was bludgeoned in the head with a hammer while trying to protect his mother during a domestic violence attack, according to sources.

Shawn Beach, of Port Jervis, is accused of chasing his live-in girlfriend and her son with a hammer and striking the 18-year-old as he shielded his mother from the weapon’s blow. 

Police confirm the incident was an act of domestic violence and multiple sources have come forward with information about what happened behind closed doors Sunday night on Wright Street. 

Port Jervis police say Beach, 42, seriously injured the teen. Sources say he needed surgery and had a metal plate put in his head. 

News 12 talked to one neighbor who didn’t want to be shown on camera but said the teen is a hero. 

“I give all the credit in the world to any child. He was protecting his mother. I would’ve done the same thing for my mother,” said the man. 

A law enforcement source tells News 12 that Beach has a violent criminal record and a long rap sheet.  

News 12 spoke to his sister on camera but she later asked us not to air her interview.  

She said her brother is suffering from mental illness and substance abuse and that he needs help after his wife died from cancer last year. 

She said he was also caring for his late wife’s underage nephew, who he had custody of and was in the home during the incident. 

News 12 was told the teen is expected to survive. Beach is facing a slew of charges from assault to endangering the welfare of children. 

Beach is being held at Orange County Jail on $50,000 bail.