TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Tampa police are investigating an attack outside of Club Skye that left a 20-year-old man in critical condition Monday morning.
Officers said at about 1:17 a.m., the man approached a performer who just had a concert at Club Skye, located on East 8th Avenue in Ybor City, for a photo. Club Skye’s website showed that the performer for that night was Nardo Wick, a rapper from Jacksonville.
According to a release, a group of people “who appeared to be affiliated with the performer” punched the fan, inflicting severe injuries on him. Video of the incident showed the fan approach the group before he was punched against a wall and punched again, knocking him to the ground.
The victim’s family identified him to 8 On Your Side as George Obregon Jr. of Pasco County.
“He was just like ‘hey can I get a picture,’ not aggressive,” said witness Connor Villa.
Villa went to the concert with Obregon Jr. that night and drove him to a hospital in Pasco County.
“From the point I got him in the car, he wasn’t responsive and once I got him in the car, he started to say a word or two, but he wasn’t making out sentences,” Villa said.
The victim’s family reported the attack to Tampa Police after learning about the incident. His mother, Michelle Obregon, says doctors told her he had a concussion and bleeding to several parts of his brain.
She says he didn’t deserve to be attacked.
“My son is not a violent person, he’s never been involved in anything not even school fights,” she said.
Police said the victim remained in critical but stable condition as of Tuesday afternoon.
Wick posted a statement on social media Tuesday and said he tried to intervene.
“I don’t condone what happened to my fan George after my show in any type of way, I expressed to him and his mama how sorry and concerned I was that it happened to him, multiple times before anything was even posted or on the internet. I sent his mama my number instantly the night it happened. I was even gone make a post to try to find out who he was before his mama text me. I cant [sic] control another grown man actions, I ain’t know that was gone happen, and I was mad when it happened. I tried to stop it as u can see in the video, and if somebody got the longer video you can see how mad I was, I love and appreciate all my fans and don’t condone in what happened at all dat sh*t ain’t gangsta or cool in no type of way.”
Wick’s team also released a statement condemning the attack.
I want to start by saying that Nardo is furious over what happened! He did not condone or participate in anything that occurred. He took no part in it. As soon as he realized what was happening, he jumped to put a stop to it.
That’s not his security nor are the individuals directly connected to Nardo.
Nardo spoke with the victims mother the same night it occurred, and management has been in contact with the mother in reference to his condition. We are praying for a speedy recovery! Nardo loves and genuinely cares about his fans.
From the team of Nardo Wick
Tampa police released photos of two potential suspects.
The police department originally released a photo of a person identified as a suspect who was not involved in the incident. Officers said they were able to identify another suspect, who was dressed similarly to the person identified Tuesday.
“Detectives are aware of the videos circulating social media and are interested in speaking to anyone who witnessed the incident or may have information that would assist in identifying the suspects,” the department said.
If you know anything, call Tampa police at 813-231-6130 or Crime Stoppers at 800-873-TIPS (8477) or via TIP411.
