BLOOMINGTON – A man was detained after Bloomington police say he stabbed another man in the abdomen on Monday, October 11, 2022, outside of a Kroger on Liberty Drive on the west side of Bloomington.
The victim was transported by ambulance to IU Health Bloomington Hospital for treatment.
Curtis Martin, 35, who fled the scene was arrested later on charges of aggravated battery, battery with a deadly weapon, and resisting law enforcement. Martin was also wanted on an outstanding warrant on charges of possession of meth and carrying a handgun without a license.
According to Bloomington Police Capt. Ryan Pedigo, around 11 p.m. officers responded to a report of a fight at Kroger, where they found a 27-year-old man with a stab wound. He later named Martin as the attacker.
The victim told police he had seen Martin standing outside Kroger when arriving with family members to shop, so he stayed with their truck because he feared Martin might try to steal items from the vehicle.
Martin then approached the victim’s truck and pulled a knife from his bag. The victim told police he thought Martin would try to slash his tires, so he attempted to grab his hand, but during the altercation, Martin stabbed him in the lower abdomen.
Martin fled on foot from the scene. A Bloomington police officer located him but Martin fled. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office used a drone and a K-9 unit to locate him entering a fenced area behind Baxter Healthcare Pharmaceuticals.
After repeated attempts to get Martin to surrender, Monroe County Sherriff’s office released a police dog that apprehended Martin.
Martin was transported to IU Health Bloomington Hospital for treatment.
