SPENCER CO. – An early morning dispute at a Mariah Hill Bar has resulted in the arrest of Paris D. Keaton, 28, of Dale, on a charge of aggravated battery and other felony offenses.
On Saturday, November 23, at approximately 3:21 a.m., area police responded to The Chateau located at 6980 East State Road 62, Mariah Hill, after a verbal argument ended with gunfire and a male being seriously injured.
A preliminary investigation by Indiana State Police revealed Paris Keaton and three males had a verbal argument inside The Chateau. Keaton and Rafael Barboza, 32, of Dale, walked outside the bar. A physical confrontation began between the two males, and Barboza was shot. Keaton walked back inside the bar and pointed the firearm at two additional males who were located inside. All parties remained at the scene until officers arrived.
Barboza was transported to Owensboro Regional Health Hospital in Kentucky, where he is currently being treated for gunshot wounds. Keaton is currently being held on bond in the Spencer County Jail on charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, a Level 3 felony, pointing a firearm, and criminal recklessness, both Level 6 felonies, and driving while his driver’s license was suspended with a prior conviction, a Class A misdemeanor.
Investigating Officer: Detective Patrick Stinson
Assisting Officers: Sergeant George Wooten, Sergeant Shane Staggs, Detective Casey Boeckman, Master Trooper Trey Lytton, Trooper Steve Nolan, Trooper Jon Villanueva, and Trooper Kayla Denk-Mundy
Assisting Agencies: Spencer County Sheriff’s Office and Rockport Police Department.
Those facing criminal charges are considered innocent unless convicted through due legal proceedings. Accusations alone do not imply guilt; the judicial system will evaluate the presented evidence to reach a verdict.
