Victim's loved ones raise cash

Family and friends of Joshua Harkins, a 25-year-old Grass Valley assault victim, are raising money to help with his medical care as the young man lies in a coma.

"He's a really nice young man," said Carol Benish, mother of the owner of Citizen's Restaurant, where Harkins had worked for four months. "Everybody is so upset about it."

Harkins remained in critical condition Monday, Sutter Roseville Medical Center spokeswoman Robin Montgomery said.

He was hospitalized Friday night after Patrick Cronan, 20, allegedly hit him in the head with his skateboard at Condon Park in Grass Valley.

"(Cronan) hit him with the trucks of his skateboard," said Harkins' long-time friend and co-worker, Zak Kangas, 16. "His younger brother and sister were there when it happened."

According to police, Harkins was trying to break up a fight between several young men when Cronan allegedly assaulted him.

The men had surrounded another man on the ground near the skate park and were urinating on him when Harkins ran from the disc golf course to help, Kangas said.

Harkins' brother, James Harkins, 14, said Cronan attacked his big brother from behind.

"I pray for (Harkins) every night and I hope he gets better," Kangas said.

Friends won't be allowed to visit him until he comes out of the coma, Kangas said.

In the meantime, Harkins' friends have placed collection boxes at businesses throughout Nevada County in an attempt to raise money for the young man's medical care.

Donations spots include Citizens Restaurant in Nevada City, The Mine Shaft in Nevada City, Brighton Street Grocer in Grass Valley, McGees Annex in Nevada City, Baskin Robbins in Grass Valley and Good Times Board Store in Grass Valley.

Harkins' friends also are planning to hold a fundraiser and will announce the date later.

Cronan is being held at the Wayne Brown Correctional Facility. According to jail records, the district attorney has raised Cronan's bail from the original $10,000 set at the time of his booking to $75,000.

Cronan is scheduled to be arraigned at 8:30 a.m. Thursday in Nevada County Superior Court.

"We miss (Harkins) terribly," Benish said. "He's a really sweet man."

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To contact Staff Writer Robyn Moormeister, e-mail robynm@theunion.com or call 477-4236.