Man arrested after fight near Peoples Park

An IU student was arrested early Friday after allegedly attacking another student near Peoples Park.

Bloomington Police Department Lt. Bill Parker said an officer for the BPD was walking southbound on North Dunn Street at about 1 a.m. and was turning westbound on East Kirkwood Avenue at Peoples Park when he witnessed two males arguing.

Before he could prevent the argument from escalating, one of the men, later identified as David M. Parsons, 20, punched the other man in the face, Parker said.

The victim, 20, fell to the ground and was knocked unconscious.

As the officer tried to detain Parsons, who was struggling to get away, he called for backup and an ambulance. At least eight squad cars arrived to assist the officer.

The victim suffered a concussion and a possible fractured skull from the incident. He was transported to IU-Health Bloomington Hospital where he underwent surgery to relieve swelling in his skull, Parker said.

Parsons is facing a preliminary charge of aggravated battery.

— Mark Keierleber