On Aug. 22 at 2:38 a.m. Sparks Police responded to a call of a disturbance at 1310 Scheels Drive. Uniformed security from Legends at Sparks Marina stated several subjects were fighting outside, one person was injured and four were fleeing the area in a Silver 2004 Nissan. When Sparks officers arrived on scene the victim was receiving first aid from security and was bleeding profusely from several areas of his head.

During the investigation it was determined the victim and suspect Marcus Peyton, 24, of Reno, got into a verbal argument because the victim had been talking to one of Peyton’s female friends. The victim walked away from the argument and was followed by Peyton where another verbal altercation ensued. Peyton eventually threw a punch at the victim, who went to the ground. Witnesses describe Peyton throwing a flurry of punches at the victim’s head while he was down and further described the victim not fighting back and unable to defend himself. After Peyton finished punching the victim and while the victim was still on the ground, Peyton stood over him and kicked him in the face. One witness describes Peyton as excited afterwards and even throwing a “high-five” to a friend.

Detectives located and interviewed all of Peyton’s friends who were with him on the night of the beating and also located other witnesses. The witnesses confirmed what Peyton had done. Video surveillance of the area was collected and although the actual beating was not caught on video, Peyton and his friends were. The video showed Peyton, his friends and the victim in the area before the beating and then showed Peyton and his friends running from the scene to their vehicle afterwards.

On Friday, detectives located Peyton and interviewed him at the Sparks Police Department. Peyton admitted he was in the fight with the victim but minimized what had happened and placed the blame on the victim. After receiving medical treatment it was determined the victim had suffered numerous orbital and nasal fractures of the skull from the beating. He will require reconstructive surgery to his face. Peyton was booked for one count of battery causing substantial bodily harm.

Sparks police detectives are asking anyone with information regarding this crime or anything similar to contact Detective Danny James at 353-2225 or Secret Witness at 322-4900.