Jose Ines Perez Jimenez (33) of Portland was charged on Monday, March 23, in Jay Circuit Court, with battery with a deadly weapon, a Level 5 felony carrying up to six years in prison.

Jimenez attacked another Portland man at a home in the 600 block of North Commerce Street on March 21.

Portland police said that the victim was “bleeding from the top of the head and had a large laceration about four to five inches long”and was taken by ambulance to IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital in Muncie.

Officers said they brought in translators to speak with Jimenez, his accuser and witnesseses, most of them did not speak English.

JImenez maintained the other man had approached him “wanting to fight” and brandishing a knife.

Jimenez said he armed himself with the hammer to protect himself, but he denied striking anyone with the hammer.

A Portland officer reported Jimenez could not explain why he had blood on his forearm, hands and shoes.

The man with the head injuries told police Jimenez had been drinking tequila and beer before attacking him with the hammer. An affidavit indicated the accuser also had injuries — including “bruising and scrapes” — on his face, back and left arm.

A warrant was issued for Jimenez’s arrest on Monday. He was taken into custody on Tuesday.

Court records reflect no prior charges against the Portland resident.