Man in coma, missing eye after beating
A father and son are in custody for allegedly beating a man into a coma — he also lost an eye.
Merritt RCMP arrested a local man last Tuesday, 26-year-old Ron Karlson Jr., for aggravated assault.
His father, 48-year-old Ron Karlson Sr., was arrested for uttering threats in July at the victim, who police say owed money to the accused men.
Karlson Sr. is also charged with obstruction of justice for threatening witnesses.
Police and ambulance responded to the alleged assault on Oct. 10 at about 9:40 p.m. when they found the 51-year-old victim unconscious. His face was severely beaten.
The man remained in a coma at Kamloops ICU at press time Monday.
He is undergoing facial reconstructive surgery and doctors anticipate brain damage, Const. Tracy Dunsmore said in a release.
The men’s first appearances in Kamloops provincial court was originally scheduled for last Wednesday, but was bumped to yesterday (Monday). The results of the appearances weren’t available by press time.
The Merritt RCMP wasn’t available for further comment.
Police are still investigating and aks anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
COMMENTS
Let's keep comments:
We ask that all participants own their words by logging in with their Facebook account. It's a simple process that will take seconds and helps keep our comments free of trolls, cranks, and “drive-by” commenters.
We reserve the right to remove comments from anyone using screen names, pseudonyms or false identities. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.