Man badly hurt after punch to the head

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - A man who police say was trying to break up an argument is fighting for his life.

Police Sergeant John Delaney told 22News that Paul Bagge of Springfield was punched in the head as he was trying to resolve a dispute between Guy Wilson, 52, of Springfield and a woman.

Delaney says that after the punch, Bagge hit the ground and suffered serious head trauma. He was rushed to Baystate Medical Center and is listed in critical condition.

According to Delaney, just before 6:00 Tuesday evening, Wilson began arguing with a woman who had come to his East Street home to pick up a dog that was advertised as found. As she was going to drive away, Wilson confronted her; accusing her of being from the MSPCA, and not the dog’s rightful owner. Delaney says Wilson reached into the woman’s car and tried to prevent her from getting her keys into the ignition.

Bagge tried to reason with Wilson, and tapped him on the shoulder to get his attention. That was when Delaney says Wilson punched Bagge in the head, knocking him down. He was rushed to Baystate Medical Center by ambulance, but Wilson went back into his house, where police arrested him on a charge of assault and battery causing serious bodily harm.

Wilson will be arraigned Wednesday in Springfield District Court.