State Rep. Injured In 'Inexplicable' Attack

CARMEL, Ind. -- An Indiana state representative was injured in an attack Saturday morning that his wife described as "inexplicable."

Carmel police said Augustus J. Mendenhall, 38, of Indianapolis was on top of State Rep. Ed DeLaney( pictured), 66, of Indianapolis, and was punching him in the head when officers arrived at Catherine Drive at about 10:15 a.m. after a call from a passer-by.

Investigators said the passer-by told them that there was a fight inside a Chrysler PT Cruiser.

DeLaney's wife, Ann DeLaney, told 6News that her husband had gone to Carmel to meet someone about a prospective business opportunity.

DeLaney told his wife that the man got into his car, pulled a gun on him and a struggle ensued. Police said the fight apparently began in the car and then moved outside.

DeLaney was taken to Methodist Hospital suffering from several wounds, including two broken bones in his face, three broken ribs and contusions on his head. He was listed in stable condition Saturday afternoon.

"He's in pretty rough shape," said Ed Treacy, Marion County Democratic Party chairman, who has known DeLaney for more than 30 years.

Police said Mendenhall ran from the scene when he saw officers approaching. After a short chase, officers used a stun gun to subdue him and take him into custody, police said.

Horner said Mendenhall was armed with a .25-caliber semiautomatic handgun when he was apprehended.

Investigators said DeLaney and Mendenhall were acquaintances and had set up a meeting to talk about buying some land.

Police said Mendenhall and DeLaney got into a heated argument before Mendenhall pulled a gun and tried to use it.

When the gun wouldn't fire, investigators said, Mendenhall began beating DeLaney with his fists and the gun.

"We're still trying to figure out who would do such an inexplicable thing to Ed, who spent his life serving others and being a Good Samaritan," Ann DeLaney said.

Doctors and friends said they believe DeLaney will recover, at least physically.

"Ed's always been a real positive guy, but I don't care who you are, once you've had something like this happen to you, this has to alter your persona," Treacy said.

Mendenhall was being held without bond at the Hamilton County Jail on preliminary charges of attempted murder, robbery, aggravated battery, resisting law enforcement and criminal confinement. An online database search indicated that Mendenhall is an attorney who passed the Indiana bar examination last year.

DeLaney represents the 86th District, which includes parts of Hamilton and Marion counties.