Feb 24, 2016 2 min read

A West Virginia man was arrested by Washington police after he allegedly sucker-punched a California man outside a Henderson Avenue bar early Tuesday, critically injuring him.

Cody D. Whiting, 25, of Spencer, was charged with aggravated assault for the punch that knocked out Carlos Augusto Lucero Lemus, 47, of Bell, Calif. Lemus, who was still unconscious when officers arrived, was flown to UPMC-Presbyterian hospital in Pittsburgh. Police said Lemus, who reportedly did not speak English, was in critical condition.

Police were called at 12:22 a.m. to the 50 Yard Line Sports Pub, 105 Henderson Ave., for a report of a fight with an unconscious man. Officers found Lemus outside on a bench being held up by some bar patrons. Several people were still fighting, with one of the men fleeing in the direction of Allison Avenue. Witnesses pointed to Whiting as the one who knocked out Lemus.

Lemus, Whiting and a third man had reportedly been in the bar drinking for a few hours, according to what witnesses told police.

The bartender reportedly told Lemus he would have to leave and would not be served any more drinks. Lemus reportedly got angry and was removed from the bar. Lemus came back and again was removed.

Lemus came back a third time, reportedly yelling and making obscene gestures. Whiting allegedly put his arm around Lemus, leading him outside, police said. Two witnesses told police they followed the men out and saw Whiting punch Lemus, knocking him to the ground.

Whiting, who had a bloody nose after scuffling with one of the witnesses, told police he hit Lemus in self-defense. Witnesses told police that Lemus made no attempt to punch Whiting. Police said they have no plans at this time to charge anyone else.

Whiting was arraigned before District Mark Wilson and placed in Washington County Jail on $25,000 bond. He faces a March 6 preliminary hearing before District Judge Robert Redlinger.