The lawyer accused of attacking attorney and state representative Edward DeLaney faces five counts, including attempted murder.
Augustus J. Mendenhall, 38, of Indianapolis, faces charges of attempted murder, a Class A felony; armed robbery, aggravated battery, and criminal confinement, all Class B felonies; and resisting law enforcement, a Class A misdemeanor.
The charges stem from the attack on DeLaney, D-Indianapolis, in Carmel Saturday morning. According to the Carmel Police Department, a witness called police after seeing DeLaney and Mendenhall in a car. The witness, who knew DeLaney, believed he may be in trouble based on his behavior.
The meeting was arranged by Mendenhall, who contacted DeLaney about meeting at Catherine Drive in Carmel to discuss the possible purchase of property near that location. At the time, DeLaney was unsure about who he was meeting, according to police.
When police arrived, they found Mendenhall on top of DeLaney, punching him in the head. When he saw police, Mendenhall ran and was stunned before being taken into custody. DeLaney had injuries to his head and face and was transported to a hospital. Police found a .25-caliber semi-automatic handgun while taking Mendenhall into custody.
Mendenhall, who was admitted to the Indiana Bar in October 2008, is being held without bond in the Hamilton County Jail.