A man was hospitalized on life support after violence broke out at Dodger Stadium as the Boys in Blue took on the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday night, according to authorities and family.
The assault stemmed from a “verbal dispute” between two men outside of the stadium, the Los Angeles Police Department said in a written statement.
“One of the men was seriously injured when he fell to the ground after being punched once,” according to the statement.
An official update on the man’s condition was not available Sunday.
“Dodger security and the Los Angeles Police Department are working together to identify the suspect, described as a male Hispanic in his 20s,” the statement said.
The suspect may have left the area in a white SUV, possibly a Toyota 4Runner, officials said.
“A witness immediately reported the incident to stadium personnel, and emergency medical technicians were promptly dispatched to provide medical assistance at the scene,” the Dodgers said in a written statement. “The matter is now being investigated by the Los Angeles Police Department, and the Dodgers are cooperating fully with the investigation.”
The victim’s wife, Christel Reyna, identified him as 47-year-old Rafael Reyna.
The badly injured man was hospitalized on life support, she said on a fundraising website set up to help cover the cost of medical expenses.
The attack took place in Lot 3 of the stadium, she said.
“I heard the entire attack because I was on the phone with him at the time,” she wrote on GoFundMe. “We are asking anyone with information to share what they know so we can catch whoever did this to my husband.”
“I anticipate some tough roads ahead of us, but we believe in the power of our Lord to heal him and carry our family through,” Christel Reyna added. “Please continue to send your prayers for my husband. We can sure use a lot of them right now.”
Another melee inside the stadium Friday night, in which no injuries were reported, was caught on camera.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the LAPD at 877-527-3247. Tips may also be submitted anonymously to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.