Shoving match deteriorates into bloddy assault

A South Kitsap man is being held on $100,000 bail after a party over the weekend resulted in the host being airlifted to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle with serious injuries.

Daniel Wayne Wright, 21, was arrested for first-degree assault as an accomplice early Sunday morning after Kitsap County Sheriff’s deputies responded to reports of an out-of-control party in the 1000 block of Lidstrom Road SE and found a 49-year-old man lying on the ground covered in blood.

In interviews with witnesses, police determined the victim was the owner of the Lidstrom house and his son had invited several people over for a party that evening. However, according to witness reports, a number of uninvited guests showed up and started a shoving match with the other party-goers. Apparently, the father tried to break up the fight and got assaulted as a result.

“It looks like he was the subject of kicking and assault with some kind of instrument,” said Sheriff’s spokesman Deputy Scott Wilson.

Aid crews were able to administer emergency aid to the man, who was conscious but bleeding heavily. He reportedly was suffering from a fractured skull and internal bleeding.

He was therefore airlifted to Harborview, where he was listed in satisfactory condition Monday afternoon.

Wilson emphasized that although Wright was arrested that same night, the investigation is still continuing. To begin with, police don’t know whether Wright had been invited to the party in the first place and whether he had any prior relationship with the victim or the victim’s son. Other aspects of the party and the attack also remain unclear, Wilson said.

No information on possible additional arrests was available at press time.

Wright had his preliminary appearance Monday in Kitsap County Superior Court.

There, Judge Leonard W. Costello opted to reduce his bail to $100,000, despite the defense attorney’s request Wright be released on personal recognizance. The attorney argued Wright had a good job at the shipyard and a family to support, and should be released. She also said Wright was “at best, very marginally involved” in the incident.

Costello disagreed.

“There’s probable cause to believe Mr. Wright was involved (and committed) at least some of the assault,” he said.

Wright’s formal charging is scheduled for this afternoon.

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.