Fight outside Malarky’s leaves man critically hurt

Newport Beach police arrested a Huntington Beach man on suspicion of critically injuring another man in a fight outside Malarky’s Irish Pub on the Balboa Peninsula early Thursday.

Jeffrey Charles Sherwood, 26, was arrested on suspicion of battery and inflicting serious bodily injury after allegedly hitting the victim, causing him to fall and strike his head on the ground, said Police Department spokeswoman Kathy Lowe.

The fight occurred about 2 a.m. outside the bar at Newport Boulevard and 31st Street.

The 29-year-old victim, who was not identified, was taken to Western Medical Center in Santa Ana with critical injuries, Lowe said.

The victim’s current condition is unknown.

Police are still investigating. Anyone with information should call Newport Det. Ryan Peters at (949) 644-3779.

— Lauren Williams