HURRICANE — An early morning altercation Sunday led to two men being injured on State Street in Hurricane.
“The suspect and the victim got into a verbal argument outside of the vehicle and according to witnesses it turned into a physical altercation,” Hurricane Police Sgt. Brandon Buell said in a press release. “Reports indicated the suspect was standing over the top of the victim punching him in the face, as well as throwing rocks at him. It was also reported the suspect was stomping on the victim’s head. The victim at one point had pulled out a pocket knife and cut the suspect. The victim stated to officers that he used the knife in self-defense to protect himself.”
Officers found that both men were traveling with others through Hurricane in the same vehicle just before 7 a.m. when the victim informed the driver he wanted to get out. The driver stopped near 5300 West State Street, and the victim exited the car.
The car pulled slightly ahead, then stopped. The suspect, identified as 22-year-old Timothy P. Mendez of St. George, got out of the car and the altercation began.
When police arrived, Mendez had gotten back in the car. Officers were able to stop the vehicle from leaving the scene.
Based on witness accounts and evidence gathered, Mendez was arrested on multiple charges as well as three local warrants. Officers located drug items on Mendez’s person, suspected to be amphetamines, as well as paraphernalia and a knife with a 4-inch blade.
The victim had obvious injuries to his face and complained of severe pain. Paramedics were called to assist, but the victim refused treatment and said he would seek medical attention on his own.
Mendez was taken to Dixie Regional Medical Center in St. George to receive treatment for his injuries prior to being booked into Purgatory Correctional Facility in Hurricane.
Hurricane City Police, Washington County Sheriff’s deputies and Gold Cross Ambulance responded to the incident.
Persons arrested or charged are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law or as otherwise decided by a trier-of-fact.
This report is based on preliminary information provided by law enforcement or other emergency responders and may not contain the full scope of findings.
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Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2016, all rights reserved.
With friends like that who needs enemies LOL ! it’s sad that people have to be so barbaric. we should all be willing to help each other as a community. and be respectful of each other. .Praise the Lord
Dang tweeker.