A University of Kentucky student is accused of knocking another man unconscious during a bar dispute that led to serious head injuries and a weeklong hospitalization.
LEXINGTON, KY – A late-night argument at a Lexington bar escalated into a violent encounter that left a college student hospitalized with a brain bleed and a fractured skull, according to court documents. Hunter Hawthorne, 20, is charged with first-degree assault following the incident at Two Fisted Willie’s, where authorities say he struck another man who had intervened to deescalate a dispute.
The victim, also identified as a college student, was reportedly unconscious for approximately four minutes after being punched. He was later treated for a brain bleed, a possible brain injury, and a fractured skull, and remained hospitalized for about a week, according to reports obtained by regional outlets.
Charges and arrest details
Hawthorne was taken into custody Tuesday by officers with the Lexington Police Department, according to Fayette County jail records. In addition to the assault charge, he faces nine counts of second-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument after officers allegedly discovered fake identification cards in his bedroom, each bearing different names and photographs.
According to a criminal complaint cited by local media, the severity of the injuries played a central role in the charges filed. “Due to the suspects actions, I believe he wantonly created a grave risk of death by assaulting the victim, thus resulting in multiple significant brain injuries, which can commonly become fatal,” the complaint states.
Incident at Lexington bar
The altercation occurred April 10 at Two Fisted Willie’s in downtown Lexington. Authorities say Hawthorne had been arguing with another individual when the victim stepped in, attempting to defuse the situation. It was at that point, investigators allege, that Hawthorne struck him in the face, causing him to fall and hit his head.
Hawthorne is identified as a student at the University of Kentucky, located in Lexington, the state’s second-largest city. The case remains pending in Fayette County court.
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