A 37-year-old vagrant struck a man in the head with a mini bat, critically injuring him, during an argument at a Ventura park Saturday afternoon, police said.
The suspect, Armando Mendez, and the victim, 45-year-old vagrant John Chavez, were with a group of people at Plaza Park at 600 E. Santa Clara St. about 3 p.m. when the two got into an argument, Ventura police said.
Mendez allegedly grabbed the small bat and hit Chavez in the head, causing the victim to fall down. Mendez ran off but was found by officers a few blocks away.
Police linked Mendez to the crime through "physical evidence" and arrested him.
Chavez was hospitalized in critical condition, police said.
Mendez faces charges of assault with a deadly weapon, possession of a billy club and possession of a switchblade knife.
