MILWAUKEE -- The mayor of Milwaukee is pleading for the public's help in the police search for the attackers who dragged a 50-year-old man out of his car Monday night and beat him nearly to death.

"We need the community to be part of the crime fighting team," said Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett. "It is so important that people who have any knowledge about this crime ... call the police department and give the information that will help us solve this crime."

Police said a mob of about 15 assailants believed to be between 16 and 23 years old dragged Samuel McClain out of his car after he honked to get them out of the way. But instead of moving, they surrounded the car and attacked him.

The victim is in critical condition and doctors aren't sure he'll live.

"He might not be able to see or walk because of these people, these kids," McClain's daughter, Shanika Johnson, said. She also urged neighbors to help police.

"Even if they're their own kids, they should turn them in," Johnson said. "I don't want to go on a vigilante thing to try to do something myself. I just want to find out who did it and bring them to justice."

Last year, a man with schizophrenia died after being beaten and robbed by a group of assailants. Six teens were charged and one has been convicted.