Reveler falls off Sutra balcony

A 21-year-old man was injured late Thursday after falling from a balcony outside Sutra Lounge in Costa Mesa, in what police and the club's general manager described as a misguided attempt to clown in front of friends.

Jose Torres of Santa Ana was taken to Western Medical Center after the fall, which occurred at about 11:15 p.m. As of Friday afternoon, he was still listed in critical condition. Sgt. Marty Carver said Torres had been drinking with friends and slipped off the ledge after he climbed it and attempted to walk on it.

According to general manager Jim Richardson, the accident was the first of its kind to take place at Sutra Lounge.

The popular night spot, which opened three years ago and operates as a restaurant and club, is on the top floor of Triangle Square at the corner of Harbor Boulevard and 19th Street.

"He was trying to show off, and it didn't work for his advantage," Richardson said.

Torres fell off a balcony two stories above the sidewalk. The ledge, which has a rounded top that makes for difficult walking, rises above waist level on an average-height person.

"It's safe," Carver said. "It's a high ledge. It's nothing you would just walk into and fall over."

Carver and Richardson guessed that Torres had been intoxicated when he plummeted off the balcony.

The restaurant, Richardson said, employs security guards who discourage patrons from even sitting too high off the ground near the ledges.