(Michigan City, IN) - A Michigan City area resident is facing potential time in prison for allegedly causing permanent injury to a man by hitting him in the head with a shovel.

 

Harley Hatchel, 33, is charged in La Porte Superior Court 1 with Level 3 felony aggravated battery and Level 5 felony battery.

 

According to the charging information, the victim in November of 2024 went to Hatchel’s home in the 900 block of Hitchcock St.  The victim told investigators Hatchel had been working on his car for three months, which he felt was way too long, and demanded it back, police said.

 

Hatchel and his brother allegedly began hitting the man with their hands and feet until he fell to the ground.  The victim was curled up like a turtle to guard against any further blows when struck in the head with a shovel.

 

Hatchel told police the victim in a heated manner got in his face and wanted the car back without paying for previous work performed on the vehicle, authorities said. Police said he also claimed the victim threw the first punch, which was disputed by a witness.

 

The victim suffered fractures to his nose and eye socket area.

 

According to the charging information, the victim permanently lost some of his vision and feeling in his face and has problems with his balance.

 

Hatchel, who was taken into custody on May 28, could face anywhere from a three to 16 year sentence.  He was being held in the La Porte County Jail on $25,000 bond.