Ventura Man Assaulted At Park, Listed In Critical Condition

VENTURA (CBSLA.com) — A 37-year-old man was arrested Saturday for allegedly beating another man with a bat at Plaza Park.

According to the Ventura Police Department, Armando Mendez, a Ventura transient, was charged for assault with a deadly weapon, possession of a billy club and possession of a switchblade knife.

Officers were sent to the 600 block of East Santa Clara Street just after 3:00 p.m., after witnesses called 911 and reported two men who were involved in a physical altercation.

Authorities said Mendez struck the man in the head with a small bat after fighting in front of a group of people at the park.

The victim, a 45-year-old male transient, fell to the ground as a result and Mendez fled from the scene as witnesses called 911, officials said.

Once on scene, officers said they were able to locate Mendez a few blocks away. Physical evidence linked Mendez to the crime and he was subsequently arrested, police said.

According to officials, the victim is currently listed in critical condition and is being guarded due to the severity of his head injury.

This investigation is on-going. Officers said there were numerous people in and around the park who left as police arrived.

Anyone with information regarding this crime is urged to contact the Ventura Police Department at (805) 339-4309.