A crime scene tech collects evidence from the scene of an attack at Iverson Park. (City-Times photo)

By Patrick Lynn

Stevens Point police say they’re still on the lookout for suspects in a group assault which sent a single male victim to a Wausau hospital.

According to a statement released Tuesday afternoon, the attack took place shortly before 6 PM on Monday in a parking lot near the baseball diamond of Iverson Park. Upon arriving at the scene officers discovered a 36 year-old man suffering multiple head and facial injuries. Witnesses say he may have been beaten with a large stick or bat by multiple attackers.

Those involved in the attack knew each other previously, according to the statement, which also said the public is not at risk as the victim was the sole intended target. The victim was transported by ambulance to Aspirus Hospital in Wausau, is currently in stable condition and is able to communicate.

Police later found a vehicle at Point Bowl, 2525 Dixon Street, which they believe was connected to the crime. Sgt. Dan Wheeler told City-Times staff late Monday night the vehicle had been abandoned there earlier Monday afternoon. That vehicle was towed away as evidence.

Police Chief Kevin Ruder said his department is looking at a disturbance in another county which could possibly have a connection to the assault but would not comment further. He called the attack an “isolated incident”, noting it took place in a highly visible park which was easy to find.

“It’s my understanding these are not people from the area, but had prearranged to meet there,” Ruder said. “Then to wind up going into an incident where an assault occurs- that’s something that doesn’t happen on a regular basis at this park or any other park in the community.”

When asked if the attack was in any way gang-related, Ruder said he “had no information” confirming that.

Ruder added police have no suspect or vehicle description for the public to watch out for because of less-than-cooperative witnesses.

“The groups that were involved and where on the scene are not cooperating,” he said, adding police currently have no one in custody for the attack.

Ruder added the city provides extra patrol in the warmer months of the year and stressed the public is not in danger. But he added if residents feel something isn’t right, they should call police immediately.

“As I tell anybody, if you feel like there’s something weird, I’d rather you call for us to check it out,” he said.