Gainesville Police investigate brutal bridge beating

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Police want the public's help in solving a brutal attack under a Hall County bridge.

According to Gainesville Police, the beating happened sometime between 2:55 and 3:15 Wednesday afternoon.  Investigators believe the victim, Daniel Andrew Smith, 33, had a friend or relative drop him off near the Queen City Bridge.

Police are not sure why Smith was in the area, but said it is a place where homeless people live and many local groups often drop off supplies for them.

Someone took Smith to Northeast Georgia Medical Center to be treated for his injuries.  Security at the hospital alerted police about the attack.  Investigators said it was so severe that Smith was knocked unconscious. 

"We don't want this to happen to anybody, of course," said Gainesville Police Corporal Drew Reed.  "With the investigation, we're not sure who it is.  We need to find these people as soon as possible to get them off the streets to ensure this does not happen to anybody else." 

As of Thursday afternoon, Investigators said Smith remained in critical condition.

Anyone with information should call the Gainesville Police Department at 770-534-5252.