BRIDGEPORT, CT — Bridgeport police are investigating an attack that left a man in critical condition after he was struck in the head with a large rock Wednesday morning at B.J. Brown Park.
Officers responded to the park, at the intersection of Center Street Extension and Madison Avenue, at around 9:30 a.m. and found the man beneath an overhang near a bicycle rack.
The man was unresponsive, covered in blood and suffering from a severe head injury, police said. A large rock, also covered in blood, was found next to him.
The victim was taken by ambulance to St. Vincent's Medical Center, where he was listed in critical condition.
Detectives believe the man may be homeless and could have been sleeping when he was attacked.
As of late Wednesday afternoon, authorities had not identified the victim. Police described him as a Hispanic man with a medium build who appeared to be in his late 30s or early 40s.
"This attack is disturbing on many fronts," Bridgeport Police Det. Jeffrey Holtz said in a statement. "This man appears to be a part of our community that is already vulnerable. It looks like he never saw this coming. We also need to find out who he is."
Holtz also expressed concern about the violence occurring in a public park used by Bridgeport residents.
"Every day, many children, adults, and families use our parks to enjoy themselves," Holtz said. "B.J. Brown Park is special to the city. His murder has not been forgotten. The park is supposed to be a place of peace."
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He added, "As always, we are asking the public to help us find out who did this."
Anyone with information about the attack or the victim's identity is urged to contact Bridgeport Police Det. Kevin Cronin at 203-581-5292.
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