News 17/01/2026 13:26

Indiana man accused of attacking roommate with mini baseball bat over takeout catfish

Screenshot 2026-01-13 045758.png

INDIANAPOLIS — An Indiana man is facing multiple criminal accusations after authorities say a dispute over leftover takeout food escalated into a violent assault and gunfire directed at his roommate.

According to WXIN, citing the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, 30-year-old Davante Payne was arrested following an argument involving a takeout catfish meal that allegedly turned physical and then dangerous. Investigators say the confrontation began over a disagreement about the value of the leftover food and quickly spiraled out of control.

Police were alerted to the incident after responding to a local hospital around 8 p.m. on January 9, where they received a report of a robbery with injuries that had allegedly occurred earlier that evening. The victim, who was treated for his injuries, told officers that the altercation took place at the residence he shared with Payne.

Court documents reviewed by WXIN state that the two men argued over a leftover meal consisting of catfish and French fries. Payne allegedly demanded $10 from his roommate for the food. The roommate reportedly refused, saying the meal was not worth that amount and offering $3 instead, which further escalated tensions.

Investigators allege that Payne then assaulted his roommate, kicking him in the head “like he was punting a football” before striking him multiple times with a miniature baseball bat. The bat reportedly broke during the attack, and the victim sustained injuries to his head and shoulder.

Authorities say the violence did not stop there. Court records indicate that Payne allegedly fired multiple gunshots into his roommate’s bedroom before taking the victim’s cellphone and keys and fleeing the scene. The use of a firearm significantly heightened the seriousness of the incident, prompting an intensive police search.

Law enforcement officers later located Payne riding a bicycle using GPS monitoring technology. According to WXIN, officers observed what appeared to be a firearm in his coat pocket at the time of contact. Court documents indicate that Payne was already under GPS supervision due to probation in an unrelated case and had prior felony convictions, including possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon.

While Payne initially complied with police commands, authorities report that he began actively resisting during the arrest process. Officers ultimately deployed a Taser to subdue him before placing him in handcuffs and taking him into custody without further incident.

Payne remains in custody as the case proceeds through the legal system, and formal charges are expected to reflect the severity of the alleged assault, firearm use, and probation violations.

News in the same category

News Post