SAN DIEGO -- An early-morning fight next to San Diego State University escalated into a series of stabbings that left a 22-year-old man dead and three other men wounded, authorities said.

The fight broke out at about 2:16 a.m. on Saturday at the intersection of 55th Street and Peterson Gym Drive, San Diego Police Lt. Kevin Rooney said.

The four victims had left a nearby party and were walking on 55th Street when they began arguing with a second group of four males, Rooney said.

The lieutenant said the argument escalated into a physical fight in the middle of 55th Street and the four men were stabbed by a member of the other group.

The 22-year-old, whose name was withheld, died at the scene, Rooney said. Police have not said if he or the other victims were SDSU students.

Three other men, who are between 20-24 years of age, were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries, Rooney said.

The suspect fled southbound on 55th Street, according to Rooney.