A fight between two men in Delhi landed one in jail and one in the hospital.

The assault was reported to the Merced County Sheriff’s Department around 4:30 p.m. Sunday.

Deputies were dispatched to the 10000 block of Flower Street in Delhi, where they found a 60-year-old man with a swollen eye that had blood oozing out, said sheriff spokesman Deputy Tom MacKenzie.

The victim said he had gone to a nearby market to pay some bills when he was attacked by Antonio Perez, 54, of Delhi.

According to the victim’s statement, Perez approached him at the market, saying he wanted to talk to him. The 60-year-old said he was punched in the face and that Perez kicked him, causing him to fall and lose consciousness.

Deputies responded to the 17000 block of Letteau Avenue and spoke with Perez. Perez said he saw the victim arrive with a friend and asked to speak with him. He said the victim has been bothering his wife and wanted him to stay away from his family. Perez also said that the victim punched him first and he was just defending himself.

The victim was transported by ambulance to a Modesto area hospital while Perez was placed under arrest for assault causing great bodily injury and public intoxication.

The victim is expected to recover from his injuries, MacKenzie said.

To contact Sabra Stafford, e-mail sstafford@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2002.