SAN DIEGO (KGTV) -- One man is dead and a suspect is in custody after a violent altercation in the Midway District Monday night.
The incident, which witnesses describe as a fight between two men, happened in the 3800 block of Midway Drive near Sports Arena Boulevard.
#BREAKING: Body laying in the road outside McDonald's near Midway and Sports Arena. Possible suspect sitting in back of police car. Waiting for police to send media spokesperson for more detailed info. pic.twitter.com/ceQDFPvioh
— Brian Shlonsky (@10NewsBrian) January 9, 2018
A witness told 10News he saw the victim in distress and attempted to give him CPR, but it was too late. He also told 10News he saw the suspect running around the area, taking pictures and yelling, "He attacked me!"
The first police units that arrived found a white adult man lying in the number two lane of eastbound Midway Drive. The victim had sustained major blunt force injuries to his face and head. The suspect was still on scene and officers arrested him after a brief struggle.
Officers provided CPR to the victim, continuing until paramedics arrived. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to police, numerous witnesses called in, reporting that a white male adult wearing a Santa Claus hat used a hammer to hit the victim. Officers determined that the suspect was not wearing a Santa Claus hat, but had his hair dyed red and shaped into a cone.
The victim has not been identified.
Police had a portion of Midway Drive blocked off through Duke Street due to their investigation.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call the Homicide Unit at (619) 531-2293 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.
