Marion County Man Arrested for Aggravated Battery Following Knife Attack
A physical altercation involving a knife and a wooden bat led to the arrest of 46-year-old Joseph Elkins on charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon on Monday, November 4, in Marion County.
Deputies responded to a report of a disturbance in an area described as a “homeless encampment in the woods”, in the 6600 block of South Pine Avenue. According to the report by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the incident began when Elkins allegedly erupted in anger after running out of alcohol, prompting him to threaten a man, who was staying in a nearby tent. The victim stated that Elkins yelled about slashing his bicycle tires, causing the victim to confront him.
The victim told deputies that upon leaving his tent, Elkins charged him with a large knife, described as similar to a “Rambo” knife. In an attempt to defend himself, the victim fought back, using a small wooden bat to strike Elkins multiple times.
Deputy R. Weaver, who authored the report, noted that the victim suffered a severe laceration to his left bicep and several superficial injuries to his head. Authorities discovered a large stainless steel knife, stained with blood, in the middle of the encampment.
During a post-Miranda interview, Elkins denied any altercation, claiming instead that he sustained his injuries from a fall onto a concrete culvert. Deputies observed Elkins to be unsteady and slurring his speech.
Before officers arrived, Elkins allegedly called 911, cryptically reporting that “we got a little bloody and differences solved.” Elkins was subsequently taken into custody and transported to the Marion County Jail, where he faces charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.
