MIAMI -- A 15-year-old boy underwent surgery Monday, one week after police said a group of teenagers set him on fire at a Deerfield Beach apartment complex.

Michael Brewer suffered second- and third-degree burns over 65 percent of his body. Police said five teenagers doused him in rubbing alcohol and set him on fire.

On Monday, Brewer underwent the first of many expected skin graft operations at Jackson Memorial Hospital. Doctors had planned to do the skin grafts on his legs only, but he was doing so well, they did part of his torso, as well, Local 10's Roger Lohse reported.

Doctors said they expect Brewer to remain in the hospital for five or six months, after which he will need about a year of physical therapy.

Brewer's parents, Valerie and Michael Brewer Sr., released a statement on Tuesday afternoon, thanking the woman who helped their son when he was burned, the Deerfield Beach Fire Department and the Broward Sheriff's Office.

"We would also like to thank everyone who has prayed, cried and sent donations for our family. Our son is in critical but stable condition and doing well," the statement said. "The recovery process will be baby steps, but eventually he will be whole again."

Investigators said they believe the teens attacked Brewer in retaliation because he had alerted authorities that one of them had tried to steal a bicycle the day before.

Five suspects have been arrested in the case. All five face aggravated battery charges, and one of the suspects, who police believe flicked the lighter that set Brewer on fire, faces an attempted second-degree murder charge.

One of the suspects, who police said poured the alcohol on Brewer, appeared in court Tuesday. The 15-year-old suspect's attorney asked a judge for a competency hearing to determine whether his client is competent to stand trial.

So far, all five suspects have been charged as juveniles.

Donations to the Michael Brewer Foundation are being accepted at any Bank of America branch. Checks can be made payable to the Michael Brewer Foundation, and please note the account number: 898035752616.