Crime Story

BREAKING NEWS: One man was rushed to the hospital early Saturday night after being struck in the face with a bat after an argument arose. Eyewitnesses stated that four men emerged from a home on the 2700-B on Bellwood Avenue after an argument that began inside the home spilled out on the street.

Bexley police officers were called to scene around 6:30pm after receiving reports that the victim later identified as James Hart was struck with a baseball bat in the face, and was currently in and out of consciousness.

Several neighbors reported that the four men emerged from the home at about 6:00pm arguing. One neighbor states that, “at first, I couldn’t make out what they were saying, it is usually pretty quiet around here, but I looked out my window and heard one man say ‘he didn’t care if the children were inside the house” then ran towards the other man-26 year old James Hart-and hit him in the face.” According to crime photos police determined that after being struck by the suspect in the face, Hart staggered for a few feet before falling to the ground bleeding from the face. The metal bat was found a few feet away in the grass near the two men fighting.

 Reporting officer and first on the scene, officer Peter Brinkley stated that upon his arrival the two other men were fighting in the grass. It was not until the fight was broken up that, he realized the extent of Hart’s injuries. According to the police report, Hart sustained severe injuries to the face and neck region, and was unconscious when they arrived on the scene. The suspect who struck Hart fled the scene immediately after the incident. However, was later apprehended at his mother’s house after she called police to inform them that her son had been involved in an incident.

Bexley police was unable to determine the start of the argument, however, it was determined that the primary suspect who struck the victim were said to be acquaintances and had been seen by witnesses as a frequent visitor at the home. The reason behind the start of the argument is still unknown. All three suspects were immediately taken into custody and charged with felonious assault and menacing. At this time all three are awaiting hearings on charges of felonious assault and menacing. Hart has been treated and is said to recover from the injuries he sustained.