A Tucson man is in critical condition at University Medical Center after being found early Tuesday morning unconscious and bleeding behind a local gay bar frequented by UA students.
Mark Fontes, 21, was discovered behind IBT's bar, 616 N. Fourth Ave., by a pedestrian who then flagged down a Tucson police officer, according to Tucson Police Department reports.
The officer found Fontes at 12:46 a.m. sitting down hunched over. Fontes had "a large laceration on the back of (his) head," reports stated.
Fontes was diagnosed with a skull fracture upon arriving at UMC, reports stated.
As of noon yesterday, Fontes was still unconscious. His brother, Daniel, said he was in fair condition but had some brain swelling.
Daniel said his brother has shown some signs of consciousness. "He squeezed our hands and wiggled his toes for us," he said.
It is not yet certain what caused Fontes' injuries.
Captain Carla Johnson from TPD Division said, "We don't want to leap to the conclusion that this was a hate crime if it was a tragic accident."
Johnson said Detective Tim Rupel, a TPD hate crime investigator, is leading an investigation into the incident.
David Huff, owner of IBT's bar, said the bar has cameras installed over the doors and bar. The tapes have been turned over to TPD to help with their investigation.
Liesl Richter, a theatre arts junior, works at Rainbow Planet next to IBT's, and said she often goes to the bar after work.
"I can't believe it happened," she said. "It's ridiculous."
Kent Burbank, executive director of Wingspan, a center for the GLBT community, said it's important for club-goers to use common sense when leaving a bar.
"When going out to a bar, go with someone else. When leaving, leave with someone else," Burbank said.
Burbank said Wingspan is helping the Fontes family cope with the incident.
A candlelight vigil is planned for 5 pm in front of IBT's to show support for Fontes.
Huff said there are jars set up inside IBT's to collect money to help the Fontes family.