Maryland Man Clinging to Life After Altercation at Baltimore Ravens Game
Two NY men have been arrested for aggravated assault, Baltimore police said.
— -- A Maryland man is fighting for his life after an altercation on Sunday at an NFL game between the Baltimore Ravens and Oakland Raiders at M & T Bank Stadium in Baltimore.
"We're clinging to hope," Susan Bauer, sister of 56-year-old Joseph Bauer, told the Baltimore Sun. "He's still not responsive and not awake, and we don't know the extent of his brain damage. The doctors said it was consistent with a major stroke."
A University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center spokesperson confirmed to ABC News they are treating Joseph Bauer, 56, who was injured in an altercation with two men at the game on Sunday. The incident took place inside the stadium, according to police, in an exit ramp. Bauer’s sister told the Baltimore Sun that her brother is in critical condition and has a 30 percent chance of living.
Police said they responded to reports of a fight at the stadium at about 3:30 p.m. and found the victim lying on his back, unresponsive.
"Through investigation it was determined there was a verbal altercation, which led to a physical altercation. In this case, the victim was pushed striking his head on the ground and he went unconscious," Baltimore City Police Lieutenant Jarron Jackson told WMAR, a local ABC affiliate.
"You know, we don't know what the fight was over, but no competition, no football game, no rivalry is worth someone being in the hospital fighting for their life right now," said Jackson.
Police arrested Scott Smith of Mt Vernon, NY and Andrew Nappi of Eastchester, NY for aggravated assault.
"Our sympathies and prayers go out to Mr. Joseph Bauer, his wife Sharon and the rest of his family," the Baltimore Ravens said in a statement. "We are deeply concerned about this assault and are learning as much as we can about it. Safety for our fans is a top priority. Confrontational and inflammatory behavior is never tolerated and is unacceptable at Ravens home games."
"They're charged with aggravated assault and hopefully those charges won't be upgraded," Jackson told WMAR. "Hopefully, this victim will be treated and returned to his family but unfortunately right now his family is in the hospital praying for his speedy recovery like we all are."