Belmont Man Beaten Near Lariat Tavern in Critical Condition

A 48-year-old Belmont man remains in critical condition at a local hospital after being beaten during an argument outside of the Lariat Tavern early Monday morning, according to the San Mateo County District Attorney's Office.

The suspect, was arrested by Belmont police on Monday afternoon in connection with the beating, and was arraigned Wednesday in San Mateo County Superior Court, where he was formally charged in the beating. Kaufman pleaded not guilty.

The DA's office says Kaufman, 23, and the victim were drinking separately at the Lariat Tavern into the early hours of Monday April 29, and after closing at 2:15 a.m., the two got into an argument outside the bar over the victim’s female friend. Once outside the bar, the argument turned violent with Kaufman punching the victim in the face, pushing him to the ground and repeatedly kicking him in the head and torso until the victim was bloody and unconscious.

Belmont police responded to a 9-1-1 call reporting that a man was down in the street in the 800 block of Broadway between Civic Lane and Fifth Avenue. Upon arrival, police found the victim lying in the street unconscious. The victim was treated at the scene by Belmont Fire Department paramedics and was transported to a local hospital.

The victim suffered broken vertebrae, eye orbit fractures, broken teeth and bleeding in the brain. He remains in critical condition in the hospital, according to the DA’s office.

Kaufman was appointed a public defender in felony court on Wednesday.

A preliminary hearing will be held on May 9 at 2 p.m. 

Bail was set at $100,000 and the defendant remains in custody.