A man is facing aggravated battery charges after he allegedly lashed out and hit another man with brass knuckles.
On June 11, Gallup Police Officer Aaron Marquez was dispatched to the Economy Inn at 1709 W. Hwy. 66 after a caller said that a man was bleeding from the head. The caller also said the suspect, who was later identified as Ike Beyale Jr., drove away in a beige vehicle.
When Marquez arrived at the motel around 9:15 am, he met with two men who were sitting outside of Room 132. According to Marquez’s report, “a pool of blood” was around the victim’s feet, and he had gauze around his left eye. He also had blood on his face and a cut on one of his eyebrows.
The victim said he and his friend were sitting outside his room when Beyale, 77, walked up to him, put on the brass knuckles, and punched him in the face. The victim said he didn’t know why the man would do that.
The victim was given First Aid, and then transported to a local hospital in an ambulance.
Marquez then spoke to the man who had called the police, who said he knew Beyale. The man said he’d been hanging out with the victim when he noticed a car pull up to the inn. Beyale allegedly got out of the car, put on the brass knuckles, and punched the victim.
The caller said he didn’t know why Beyale had punched the victim.
Economy Inn staff told Marquez that Beyale had stayed at the inn the night before, and he was reportedly checking out of his room when the incident occurred.
Marquez began searching the area for a beige vehicle, and he soon found a Chevy Malibu parked behind the inn. When he ran the plates Metro Dispatch said the car belonged to Beyale. However, Beyale was not in the car.
Marquez wrote up a warrant for Beyale’s arrest, and it was served the next day.
Beyale’s first court appearance was on June 12.
Staff Reports
