Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
A Warsaw man is recovering at home after nearly losing his life in a fight Monday night in Milford.
Jesse Rangel, 28, Southside Drive, was released from Kosciusko Community Hospital Tuesday after undergoing emergency surgery Monday night. He was reportedly stabbed in the neck and head with a knife and a screwdriver.
Rangel's injuries were the result of a reported fight with Rodney A. Coy, 29, South Main Street, Milford. The two men had allegedly been drinking, police said, and an argument Monday after 10:30 p.m. resulted in serious injury to Rangel.
Coy was charged with aggravated battery, a Class B felony, for acts causing substantial risk of death. He is being held in Kosciusko County Jail on $10,000 surety bond.
Authorities said the two men were lifetime friends. Rangel was reportedly first stabbed in the head with a Phillips screwdriver, said Kosciusko County Prosecutor David Kolbe. Rangel's throat was then cut with a knife, and his jugular vein was cut. Kolbe said today that Rangel lost half of his blood supply in the incident.
Coy faces a 20-year sentence if convicted.
