San Diego

A 33-year-old man was in fair condition Tuesday at Mercy Hospital after being shot in the chest during a fight at a University Heights bar, police said.

Faatiu J. Ilaoa of San Diego was taken by paramedics to the hospital shortly after 11:30 p.m. Monday, according to police spokesman Bill Robinson. Anthony Romero, 24, of San Diego, was arrested at the bar and booked into County Jail on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon.

The shooting occurred as Ilaoa and Romero fought outside Semo’s Bar at 4500 Park Blvd., Robinson said. Earlier in the evening, Ilaoa and Romero had exchanged words after Ilaoa tried to mediate an argument between Romero and his girlfriend, Robinson said.

Romero left the bar with his girlfriend, but returned alone with a handgun and called Ilaoa out of the bar, Robinson said. Ilaoa was shot once in the chest with a 9-millimeter pistol.