MITCHELL – Two men were arrested after Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department deputies responded to a report of a battery on Sunday, July 30th at 3:57 p.m. The caller Patrick Eller reported he was at IU Health Bedford Hospital for treatment.
Police also responded to 2355 Hollace Chastain Road in Mitchell to perform a welfare check on Eller’s father Thomas, who was also injured.
An officer spoke to Patrick, who was being treated at the hospital for facial injuries. Police say Patrick had bruises, swelling, and blood around the sides of his mouth and nose.
He told police that around 3:30 p.m. he was in the kitchen trying to eat when Thomas Eller Sr. came out of the bathroom and began “staring him down and hitting him in the face”.
Patrick said he stood up to protect himself and to keep Thomas from punching him. At some point, Thomas put him in a headlock and continued to punch him, and then attempted to gouge Patrick’s eyes out.
During the altercation, Patrick said 17-year-old Thomas Eller Jr. kicked him while Thomas had him on the ground.
Patrick stated that he was yelling to everyone present to get Thomas Sr. off of him but eventually, Thomas Sr. just let him go.
Patrick stated that he did not strike Thomas Sr.
Shortly after, Patrick left the residence to go to the hospital.
Thomas Eller Jr stated that Patrick was at the kitchen sink cleaning/cutting a cucumber when he went to pour a drink in the same sink. This made Patrick mad and he made a comment. While this was going on Thomas Sr. exits the bathroom and sees the verbal altercation between the two younger men.
Thomas Sr. then becomes verbally aggressive toward the two younger men and there is an argument that turned physical between Patrick and Thomas Sr.
Thomas Sr. said Patrick was in a rage and punched him in the face. Police say there was a visible knot about his eye. Thomas admitted to putting Patrick in a headlock and punching Patrick.
After the fight, Thomas Sr. and Patrick shook hands and Patrick left the home.
Thomas Eller was arrested on charges of strangulation and domestic battery. Patrick Eller was arrested on a charge of domestic battery.
