In the state of Indiana, a disturbing incident unfolded when a 24-year-old man, Jordan Andrade, attacked an Indian student, Varun, at a public gym, believing that the victim posed a threat to him. The shocking assault took place in the massage room of Planet Fitness Club in Valparaiso, Indiana.
Andrade's actions were prompted by his mistaken belief that Varun was "creepy" and "threatening," leading him to fear that Varun intended to "assassinate" him. Tragically, Andrade used a knife to strike Varun, driving it into his head, causing a severe injury. Varun was rushed to a Fort Wayne hospital, where he faces a dire prognosis, with a reported zero to five percent chance of survival due to the gravity of his injuries, as the knife had penetrated his temple and brain stem.
Subsequently, Jordan Andrade was apprehended and taken into custody, held at the Porter County Jail. He now faces charges of attempted murder and aggravated battery for his violent actions.
Police arrived at the gym's massage room to discover a distressing scene, with a significant amount of blood present on one of the massage chairs and a folding knife on the counter, which was identified as belonging to Andrade. Varun, who had suffered a head injury, was found in one of the massage chairs.
According to a charging document, Andrade claimed that he acted in self-defense, asserting that he believed Varun posed a threat to him, leading him to react as he did. Andrade insisted that Varun had not initiated any contact or left his chair, and their physical interaction began when Varun tried to push Andrade away in response to the attack.
Witnesses at the gym described Varun as a quiet and reserved individual who generally kept to himself.
Jordan Andrade is scheduled to make his initial court appearance on the charges, with the hearing set for Wednesday afternoon before Porter Superior Court Judge.
(With Agency Inputs)
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