Punched, kicked in the head and left unconscious at a bar

VERNON – A Vernon man was allegedly punched, kicked in the head and left unconscious at a local bar Sunday night and police need help with the investigation.

Police are still trying to put the pieces together after the aggravated assault at Monashee’s Bar and Grill. RCMP spokesperson Gord Molendyk says officers were dispatched to a report of an unconscious man about 1:30 a.m.

“The victim sustained a serious head injury with a fracture at the base of his skull and a broken nose,” Molendyk says.

The 23-year-old was moved to Kelowna General Hospital to see a neurosurgeon.

Officers asked around at the bar, speaking with staff and possible witnesses. Later the same day, police located a 23-year-old man believed to be a suspect in the assault. The man was arrested for a time, questioned and released. He isn't facing any charges.

“We’d like to speak to anybody who saw it to… solidify the case,” Molendyk says.

At this time, there’s no indication the two men knew each other.

Anyone who witnessed this assault is asked to contact the Vernon detachment at 250-545-7171. 

To contact the reporter for this story, email Charlotte Helston at chelston@infonews.ca or call 250-309-5230. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.