LAKEPORT, Calif. — A large fight that erupted at the Lake County Fairgrounds on Sunday night left one person with serious injuries, and authorities are asking for the community’s help in identifying the individuals responsible for the assault.
The brawl occurred during the second night of the Memorial Weekend Opener for the Lakeport Speedway, which is now under the management of a new promoter, Blair Aiken of B.A.D Racing.
Because the incident occurred on the fairgrounds, which is considered state property, the California Highway Patrol’s Clear Lake Area office is leading the investigation into the fight.
Lakeport Police Chief Brad Rasmussen told Lake County News that his agency, along with California State Parks law enforcement officers and Lake County Sheriff’s deputies, responded with the CHP to the fight, which he said was “pretty much dispersed when we arrived.”
The CHP said its officers and the allied agencies responded to the fairgrounds at 9:46 p.m. Sunday on the report of a large fight occurring during the boat races.
When officers arrived, they identified one victim with serious injuries “stemming from a physical altercation involving several unknown assailants,” the report said.
The CHP identified the victim in the fight as Joseph Simpson Nelson, 58, of Ukiah.
Nelson was treated by emergency medical personnel on scene and then airlifted to Kaiser Hospital in Vacaville for further treatment, the CHP said.
Sgt. Josh Dye said Monday evening that the CHP had spoken to Nelson’s family and was working to get additional updates on his condition.
Based on the statements and evidence the CHP has obtained so far, officers determined that Nelson had been beaten about the head and face by several unknown assailants, resulting in serious bodily injury, according to the report.
Lake County Fair Chief Executive Officer Sheli Wright told Lake County News on Monday evening that, by that point, she had only gotten small pieces of information on the incident, and hadn’t yet received a report from CHP.
“I have lots of questions but do not have the answers yet,” Wright said.
“I can tell you the turnout was not something expected,” said Wright, adding that last year, under the former race promoter, they were lucky if there were 200 people in the stands.
Wright said the District Agricultural Association, the fair’s official name, hopes that Nelson is OK.
The CHP said Officer Johnson is investigating the felony battery incident.
The agency is asking for assistance from witnesses, as well as any available video of the incident.
Anyone who believes they have useful information or video associated with the incident is asked to call the CHP’s Clear Lake Area office at 707-279-0103.
Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.
CHP investigates Sunday night fight at Lake County Fairgrounds
- Elizabeth Larson
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