Man arrested in hammer attack

A Muncie man has been accused of attacking an acquaintance with a hammer.

Ian S. McKenzie, 28, was arrested Sunday on preliminary charges of aggravated battery, intimidation and strangulation.

Police were called to the 600 block of East Main Street about 6 a.m. that day by a man who reported he had been awakened by McKenzie beating him with a hammer.

The alleged victim — reported by officers to have a “bloody and swollen nose” — claimed McKenzie also choked him and repeatedly said, “I’m going to kill you.”

McKenzie a short time later called 911 dispatchers and asked to meet with officers. He maintained he had been the victim of an attack by his accuser.

The Muncie man was released to pre-trial probation on Tuesday. Charges of battery and resisting law enforcement filed against him last August in Muncie City Court are pending.