Akron man charged with attempted murder

An Akron man was arrested recently after a domestic disturbance call resulted in charges that includes attempted murder.

According to court documents, Fulton County 911 Dispatch was alerted about a domestic dispute going on at a residence in Akron. The first officer to arrive at the scene was an Indiana State Trooper, who reported hearing screaming from inside the home before a woman opened the door. The trooper said the woman had been bleeding heavily and holding her head. She was transported immediately to Woodlawn hospital for her injuries. 

Omar Panales, 27, of Akron, was also inside the residence and initially cooperated with the trooper, stating her had no weapons. It was noted Panales clothing had been covered in blood. 

Panales was detained by deputies with the Fulton County Sheriff's Office. A search of the residence and yard showed numerous blood stains throughout the property. Outside police reported finding a bloody pair of flip-flops, sheath for a machete and a cellphone on the ground. 

Inside of the residence, officers also discovered a black shotgun with a sling containing numerous unspent shell casings and a large machete on the floor that was covered in blood.

A second victim of the incident told police the fight had started over Panales missing his jacket. When questioning the second victim about the jacket, Panales allegedly grabbed them by the shoulder. It was noted a sizable bruise was visible on the victims shoulder. The first victim allegedly tried intervening in the fight to stop Panales, which further escalated the fight. After an argument ensued, Panales allegedly hit the first victim with a machete. 

Officers located blood stains on the hood of a vehicle parked near the garage of the residence, as well as several spots of dried blood on a second vehicle nearby. 

Panales was given a portable breath test at the scene, which revealed a .218% BrAC and arrested at the scene. Panales was booked at the Fulton County Jail on charges of attempted murder, a Level 1 Felony; aggravated battery, a Level 3 Felony; domestic battery resulting in serious bodily injury, a Level 5 Felony; and domestic battery, a Class A misdemeanor. He is currently being held without bond. 

In an interview with officers on September 30, Panales told police the situation first started when he asked the second victim where his jacket was and she could not find it. 

After an argument ensued, Panales claimed the first victim kept getting closer to him. When she allegedly got in his face, Panales claimed he snapped. He admitted to hitting the second victim with the machete. Panales said when he eventually dropped the machete the second victim grabbed it, prompting him to run upstairs and retrieve a shotgun. 

Police have since checked on the first victim, who remains in the hospital. Officers were told the victim had a skull fracture, a four to five inch long cut on their head and other wounds on their hands.