What WBIW reported
Two people were stabbed on 17th Street in Bedford on Sunday evening, September 27, 2026, according to WBIW’s initial report[1]. Bedford police responded at about 5:56 p.m.
WBIW’s reports give slightly different locations. The September 28 story placed the incident in the 715 block of 17th Street, while the later account placed it in the 710 block. WBIW’s police log also listed calls at G Street and 17th Street and at 17th Street and H Street.
Both injured people were taken to IU Health Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. WBIW reported that they were in stable condition and expected to recover. Their names were not released.
In a September 29 follow-up[2], WBIW reported that Bedford police arrested William E. Melvin II, 65, on charges of attempted murder, aggravated battery, and battery with a deadly weapon. These are allegations, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. The investigation remains ongoing, and the reporting does not explain what led to the stabbing.
What injured people can do next
A stabbing is not an accident, but a person hurt by violence can face many of the same practical questions as someone injured in a crash. Follow the medical plan, keep treatment and billing records, and obtain the police report number and the investigating detective’s name. The firm’s guide to preserving injury evidence explains why organized records matter, even though this incident did not involve a vehicle.
The criminal and civil cases serve different purposes. Prosecutors decide which criminal charges to pursue. An injured person controls a separate civil claim that may address medical costs, lost income, pain, and other losses. A restitution order may address certain losses, but it does not replace every possible civil remedy. Indiana’s crime victim compensation program may also help eligible victims with certain costs.
Why the location and deadlines matter
The stabbing occurred in Bedford, in Lawrence County, and the Bedford Police Department is investigating. An Indiana civil case is ordinarily filed where the injury occurred or where a defendant resides, so Lawrence County may be relevant to venue.
A civil claim after a stabbing is generally directed against the person accused of committing the battery. In some cases, facts may support a claim against a property owner or another party under premises liability or negligent-security principles. Nothing in WBIW’s reporting establishes such a claim here.
Insurance can be a difficult issue because homeowner’s and renter’s policies commonly exclude intentional acts. An early review can identify possible coverage and other sources of recovery. The general deadline for an Indiana personal injury lawsuit is two years under IC 34-11-2-4[3]. Under IC 34-51-2-6[4], a claimant whose fault is greater than 50 percent recovers nothing; otherwise, the recovery is reduced by that person’s percentage of fault. The Indiana filing-deadline guide provides additional general information.
How Delventhal Law Office can help
Delventhal Law Office, LLC is a Fort Wayne personal injury firm founded by attorney Chad E. Delventhal in 2009. The firm handles Indiana injury claims, including claims arising from assaults, and can explain the difference between a criminal prosecution and a civil case, request records, preserve available evidence, and examine possible sources of recovery. The office serves Lawrence County and the rest of Indiana and offers a free case evaluation.
This post is based on public reporting, the investigation may be ongoing, and nothing here is legal advice or creates an attorney-client relationship.
