CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Police are asking for the public’s help in finding the person who attacked a UNC-Charlotte instructor.

Meredith Richi found 42-year-old Narayan Dhakal lying beaten and unconscious Thursday night in the middle of Eighth Street between Church and Tryon Streets. He is in critical condition at Carolinas Medical Center.

“He was lying face down. His face was turned to the side,” said Richi.  “He was breathing when I came in, but there was a pool of his own blood underneath him. I told him everything was going to be OK."

Police believe Dhakal left Bar Charlotte at 10 p.m. Thursday. Police say he went to another club, the Forum, and left around 1:15 a.m.

About 1:40 a.m., Richi found Dhakal on Eighth Street, blocks from where his car was parked at the Dunhill Hotel parking garage.

Dhakal is a part-time instructor and taught a college algebra course at UNCC this semester.

His brother, Abi, said he was pursuing a master’s degree in finance. 

“He always talks about how much he enjoys teaching," he said.

Many on the UNCC campus were shocked at the news.

"The community is a very close one,” said sophomore Dara Bonakdar. “Something happens to one person, it happens to everybody. It’s just low. I wouldn't think why anyone would do such a thing."

Police say Dhakal had no wallet on him, so police think someone may have tried to rob him.

"Traumatic things can happen every day,” said Richi.  “It’s sad that it happens.”

Police say that Dhakal’s injuries have prevented him from speaking. Police ask anyone with information to call CrimeStoppers at 704-334-1600.