Police Release Name of Man Killed in Brawl

Authorities today released the name of a 26-year-old man who was fatally injured last weekend in a street brawl near Oceanside City Hall.

Police officers responding to a report of a fight in the 400 block of North Coast Highway found Juan Rivas of Oceanside unconscious on a sidewalk in the area shortly before 12:30 a.m. Saturday, Lt. Leonard Mata said.

Medics took Rivas to Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla, where he was admitted in critical condition. He succumbed to his injuries about 10:15 p.m. Monday.

While officers were investigating the scene of the altercation, a man approached and told them he had been involved.

"The 25-year-old Hemet resident essentially told police the victim was one of three men who assaulted him and that he was defending himself when the victim sustained his injuries," the lieutenant said. "He (said he) did not know the men who assaulted him or the motive for the attack."

The Riverside County man, whose name was withheld, was questioned and released pending further investigation.

Police believe there are people who saw the fight but have not come forward, Mata said. Anyone with information in the case is asked to call Detective T.J. Dunn at (760) 435-4054. Witnesses may remain anonymous.

—City News Service

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