Man in intensive care after downtown beating

One man was hospitalized and two jailed after an assault early Sunday in downtown Brainerd. 

At 1:24 a.m. Sunday officers responded to a 911 call that a man had been assaulted on the sidewalk outside of Thrifty White Pharmacy on the 800 block of Laurel Street. 

Upon arrival officers located the victim and he was transported to Essentia Heath’s St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Brainerd. Brainerd Police Deputy Chief Mike Bestul said the name of the victim wasn’t being released Monday because officers are still investigating the case. He said the victim was being treated in the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit.

Two suspects were arrested for their alleged role in the assault. 

Lucas Eastwood, 27, is being held in the Crow Wing County Jail for aggravated robbery, first-degree assault, fourth-degree assault, kidnapping-confining any person, fifth-degree assault and disorderly conduct. 

Travis Campbell, 29, is being held in the Crow Wing County Jail for aggravated robbery, first-degree assault, fourth-degree assault and disorderly conduct.

Bestul declined to comment on what investigators believe led to the assault because the investigation wasn’t completed Monday. He said no weapons were used in the assault, but the victim’s injuries were severe enough to warrant arresting the two suspects for felony-first degree assault.

Bestul said investigators have been looking for and interviewing witnesses Monday. Officers were still waiting to interview the victim at the hospital Monday afternoon before completing their reports to forward to the Crow Wing County Attorney’s office for review for formal criminal charges. Bestul said he hoped criminal charges would be filed sometime Tuesday in Crow Wing County District Court. 

Bestul said more information on the assault should be available Tuesday. 

MATT ERICKSON may be reached at matt.erickson@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5857.