An Indianapolis man is in custody after police say he beat a 66-year-old state legislator, Rep. Ed DeLaney.
DeLaney,
D-Indianapolis, was treated at Methodist Hospital for two broken bones in his face, as well as cuts and bruises, following
the Saturday morning attack.
Carmel police say 38-year-old Augustus J. Mendenhall of Indianapolis was treated at
a local hospital and taken to the Hamilton County Jail, where he was being held without bond on charges including attempted
murder, robbery and aggravated battery.
DeLaney’s family members say the victim had not met Mendenhall before the
attack. They said DeLaney, an attorney, was meeting the man about a business deal.
"This is an inexplicable
act of violence,” DeLaney’s son said in a statement released to WXIN-TV Channel 59. “Our father has given
his life and service to others. We’d like to thank Carmel Police and Methodist Hospital for the professionalism and good service
they’ve given us."
Channel 59 said a witness called police after seeing DeLaney being punched by a man
in a PT cruiser on Catherine Drive in Carmel. When Mendenhall saw officers approaching, he ran, but authorities took him into
custody after a short foot chase.
Mendenhall was transported to Carmel Saint Vincent’s Hospital where he was checked
out and released. He was then transported to the Hamilton County Jail where he is being held without bond.
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