US: Finger bitten off during California health protest
Fri Sep 4 02:04:49 EST 2009
Thu Sep 3 16:04:49 UTC 2009
THOUSAND OAKS, California, Sept 3 AP - California authorities say a clash between opponents and supporters of health care reform ended with one man biting off another man's finger.
Ventura County Sheriff's Capt Frank O'Hanlon says about 100 people demonstrating in favour of health care reforms rallied on Wednesday night on a street corner. One protester walked across the street to confront about 25 counter-demonstrators.
O'Hanlon says the man got into an argument and fist fight, during which he bit off the left pinky of a 65-year-old man who opposed health care reform.
The victim retrieved the finger and went to a hospital. There was no immediate word on Thursday on whether doctors reattached his finger, or whether the man had health insurance.
O'Hanlon says the attacker fled but authorities have a good description.
