Friends of an assault victim who was sucker punched in downtown Dover last week are hosting a fundraiser to defray his medical expenses.

DOVER — Friends of an assault victim who was sucker punched in downtown Dover last week are hosting a fundraiser to defray his medical expenses.

Nate Jones, 33, of Somersworth, was sitting on the sidewalk outside the Dover Brickhouse on early Thursday morning when he was punched in the jaw, breaking it in two places, according to Jones and his friends. Jones was left unconscious in the attack. He was transported to Wentworth-Douglass Hospital and then transferred to Massachusetts General Hospital where his jaw was wired shut to facilitate healing.

Dover police are investigating the incident as an assault case.

“We have videotape of a suspect that we are in the process of trying to identify,” said police Lt. David Martinelli.

Jones is now recovering at home.

“After the initial shock and confusion of being angry and wondering why it all happened, it has really brought to light the importance of friends and family. It makes me feel like one of the luckiest people on the planet,” Jones said via text message. Texting is the way he communicates these days because the injury makes it difficult to speak.

Jones’ friend Aaron Fournier is helping to organize a fundraiser through the website GoFundMe to help Jones with expenses. There will be a benefit night at the Dover Brickhouse on Thursday, April 16, at 8 p.m. The goal is to raise $25,000 to help defray medical expenses and lost income. The site has already raised $3,425 since it was started on April 4.

“He’s a really nice, caring, funny guy that gets along with everybody,” said Fournier, who has known Jones since childhood.

Rev. Todd Seely and Nick Barbarian will both be playing music at the benefit. There is no cover charge, but donations will be accepted.

Jones was a part of the local music scene for years before focusing on the family restaurant business, Jimmy Jones Locker. The Somersworth location has closed since the assault.

“My father and I run it together. He is in need of knee surgery soon and obviously it would be hard for me to run things with my mouth wired shut and with all the doctors appointments I have coming up. So we had to close it,” Jones said. “We had been contemplating moving locations anyway, so this seemed like a sign to do so.”

Those who would like to donate to the event can contact Fournier at aaronfournier@gmail.com. To donate got to www.gofundme.com/qy3c3b8z.

The Dover police ask anyone who may have information about to case to call 742-4646. If callers wish to remain anonymously, they can call the Dover crime line at 749-6000.