A Sutherland man is in custody, and another is fighting for his life following a fight.

At around 5:21 p.m. on March 31st, deputies with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office responded to a disturbance at the Ozzie’s Apartment Complex, located at 1014 1st Street in Sutherland.

Upon arrival, deputies found a male subject who was unconscious and having difficulty breathing following an assault.

Deputies located several witnesses and the suspect, 35-year-old Travis Louthan, in and around the complex.

Witnesses advised that Louthan and the victim were riding in a vehicle around Sutherland consuming alcoholic beverages.

Deputies say Louthan and the victim, both passengers in the vehicle, began fighting.  Louthan allegedly assaulted the victim from the front seat of the vehicle, then moved to the back seat and assaulted him more.

The victim was transported by Sutherland Rescue to Great Plains Regional Medical Center, then flown to Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney.

Deputies eventually arrested Louthan and transported him to the Lincoln County Detention Center where he was interviewed and later arrested for 1st degree assault.

According to LCSO Chief Deputy, Roland Kramer, the victim’s condition is very serious, and his injuries are likely life-threatening.

Kramer said the investigation into the matter continues, and additional charges may be filed.