Chico man dies two weeks after assault in Truckee | The Sacramento Bee

A Chico man died Sunday, two weeks after he was severely injured in a fight in downtown Truckee.

Jesse Hill, 39, died at Renown Medical Center in Reno. He had been admitted to the intensive care unit with serious head injuries following the June 18 assault, according to a Truckee Police Department news release issued Tuesday. Police said the official cause of death will be determined by the Washoe County Medical Examiner’s Office after a review of medical documents and an autopsy that is scheduled in coming days.

Police officers were on foot patrol in Truckee’s Commercial Row area about 11:05 a.m. June 18 when they were summoned by a group of people near the Pastime Club bar. At the same time, people were calling 911 reporting a person unconscious following an assault.

Officers found Hill unconscious on the sidewalk in front of the Pastime Club. Witnesses quickly identified 24-year-old Bryan Luke Sperlin of Truckee as the suspect in the assault. Sperlin, who was still in the Commercial Row area, was arrested without incident, police said. He was booked into Nevada County Jail on suspicion of felony assault causing serious bodily injury and violation of terms of his probation.

The initial investigation indicated that Hill and Sperlin got into an argument earlier in the evening at the Tourist Club bar. Hill left the Tourist Club and later was standing in front to the Pastime Club. Sperlin was entering the Pastime Club when he and Hill began a second argument, which turned into a physical fight, police said.

Although witnesses have come forward, the Police Department continues to look for any additional witnesses or video. Police said it is important that investigators speak with anyone who interacted with either Hill or Sperlin the night of the incident. They said a variety of charges could apply, depending on the completed investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to email Sgt. Robert Womack at rwomack@townoftruckee.com, or call the Truckee Police Department at 530-550-2323 and ask to speak with a detective.