People at Friendly's Tavern said the victim had just left the business and was heading home for the night when he was attacked by the suspect.
Sgt. Tim Eberle said, "He had some obvious, fairly serious injuries."
Authorities want to talk with Gordon Diggle after they said he attacked and robbed the man behind Friendly's Tavern just before 6 p.m. Wednesday.
"They were in the bar together and had known each other," said Sgt. Eberle.
After the assault, police said Diggle took off in a 1989 White Cadillac with license plate EZD-9269
Somehow, police said the victim managed to stagger home where his girlfriend called 911. The man was sent to Miami Valley Hospital by CareFlight.
The sudden violence has left bar patrols stunned. Bobby Adams said Friendly's Tavern is a quiet neighborhood hangout and most people are regular customers.
That is why police are anxious to track down Gordon Diggle.