Man in coma following assault at JC Steak & Shake

A 44-year-old Jefferson City is in a coma after an assault at a Capital City restaurant left him with skull fractures.

Jefferson City Police were called to Steak ‘N Shake on Missouri Boulevard early Sunday morning.

When they got there they found the man unconscious with blood coming from his head.

Police said there were several people at the 24-hour restaurant.

They transported the man to a local hospital, but due to the seriousness of the injury was taken to Columbia.

Monday night Jefferson City Police arrested 24 year old Ryan Kelley, a Jefferson City resident, for first degree assault.

Police said Kelley told them he felt threatened as he was helping out a friend. He said a fight broke out and he started punching anyone who got in his way.

Captain Doug Shoemaker with the Jefferson City Police said he doesn’t think crime at the restaurant is becoming a trend.

“It’s the only restaurant that’s open at that time of night, or at least a sit down style restaurant,” said Shoemaker.

Shoemaker said they are patrolling the area more heavily in hopes it will prevent another situation like this one from happening.