Merced Police officers responded to the area of West 18th and Canal streets for reports of a man down at around 12:35 a.m. this morning.

Upon arrival, officers located a 43-year-old man unconscious, the victim was on the ground next to an empty running vehicle at a business parking lot.

According to Merced Police, officers believe the crowd who was involved in the beating of the victim may be up to twenty people and it all started at a nearby bar.

The victim was med-flighted to a Modesto hospital, where he was treated for the injuries.

Merced Police are asking anyone with any information regarding this crime to contact
Sergeant Rey Alvarez at 209-388-7705 or the Merced Police Department Tipster Line at
(209)385-4725.

The public can send information via anonymous text messages to police department by dialing “TIP41 1” (84741 1) and including the word “Comvip” as the keyword” in the text message.