A young man is fighting for life this morning after a brutal assault in Burleigh Heads.
The 19-year-old was walking through the Justin Lane carpark with friends around 8pm on Saturday night when an argument broke out with a random man.
Police will allege the teen was then punched in the head, causing him to fall backwards striking his head on the ground.
Paramedics were quickly called to the scene but the 19-year-old was still transported to Gold Coast University Hospital in an unconscious state with critical head injuries.
The offender ran from the scene but was tracked down by patrolling police a short time later.
The 28-year-old Burleigh Heads has since been charged with one count each of grievous bodily harm and drunk or disorderly conduct on premises.
He has been denied police bail and is due to appear in the Southport Magistrates Court on Monday.