The Durango man assaulted near the Animas River Trail on Friday appears to be recovering, a St. Mary’s Hospital nurse in Grand Junction said Sunday.
Davidson Curley Chee, 38, was upgraded to serious condition Sunday morning after having been in critical condition after the attack.
Chee was found bleeding from the face about 9 a.m. Friday near the Animas River Trail and the Ninth Street Bridge. He was taken to Mercy Regional Medical Center then airlifted to St. Mary’s with wounds to his head.
Durango Police arrested Antonio Nez, 31, of Durango on suspicion of felony assault. Nez was standing near the location where Chee was found with blood on his hands.
Nez admitted to assaulting Chee after the two had an argument that allegedly involved racial overtones, police said. Both men are Native American and live in local motels and shelters. Alcohol is suspected of playing a part in the incident.
As of Sunday, Nez remained in La Plata County Jail on a $10,000 bond.
