Man's Finger Bitten Off at Health Rally

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. - A health care reform demonstration landed one man in the emergency room after part of his pinky finger was bitten off during a heated argument in Ventura County.

Sheriff's Capt. Frank O'Hanlon says about 100 people demonstrating in favor of health care reforms rallied Wednesday night at a Thousand Oaks street corner when one protester walked across the street to confront about 25 counter-demonstrators.

O'Hanlon says the man got into a fight and bit off half the left pinky of 65-year-old William Rice.

Rice tells The Associated Press he was not part of the counter-demonstration and merely stopped by the event to see what was happening.

A hospital spokeswoman says doctors could not reattach the finger and he was sent home the same night.

O'Hanlon says the attacker fled but authorities have a good description.