Suspect Held After Man Is Shot in Bar

A 26-year-old Ventura man was in critical condition Saturday night after being shot twice during an argument at a bar, police said.

Adam J. Stroud was being treated at Ventura County Medical Center for gunshot wounds in his chest and arm, police said.

Christopher Marquez, 30, of Ventura was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

Marquez was allegedly involved in a brawl Friday night at the Red Cove Bar in the 1800 block of East Main Street, Ventura Police Sgt. Jerry Thurston said.

Detectives said Marquez was injured during the fight, which they believe erupted during an alleged drug deal.

After the fight, Marquez left the bar, but returned with a gun shortly before midnight, police said.

According to witnesses, Marquez then threatened Stroud, who in turn dared him to fire the weapon.

The impact of the rounds, believed to be from a .38-caliber handgun, knocked Stroud into a booth near the front of the bar, they said.

Marquez was seen running from the bar after the shooting. He was arrested minutes later, when witnesses being interviewed by police outside the bar saw him drive by in his pickup truck.

Marquez was being held at Ventura County Jail on $500,000 bail, police said.