Emergency crews respond to an altercation Friday morning that sent one man to a Kansas City area hospital. The incident occurred in the 800 block of Massachusetts Street.

A 22-year-old man suffered serious injuries early Friday morning following an altercation in the 800 block of Massachusetts Street.

According to Lawrence police Sgt. Susan Hadl, witnesses said the 22-year-old man had been walking south on Massachusetts Street when a vehicle rolled by and items were thrown at him. Hadl said the man and the occupants of the vehicle exchanged words. The driver of the vehicle then parked, exited the vehicle and punched the man, whose head struck the ground.

Police were called about 1:45 a.m.

Emergency crews on scene washed blood off the sidewalk while medics tended to the victim. The assailant fled north in a silver crossover vehicle, possibly a Dodge Journey. The suspect was described as a black man of average height and build with three-inch curly hair.

Calls were made to determine the availability of a helicopter, but the victim was ultimately taken by ambulance to a Kansas City hospital.

Hadl urged anyone with information about the incident to call police at 785-832-7650, or Crime Stoppers at 785-843-TIPS.