Indianapolis, Indiana – An argument over leftover catfish and french fries allegedly escalated into a violent assault and armed robbery in Indianapolis, sending one man to the hospital and another to jail, according to police.
Authorities say the incident unfolded after a disagreement between roommates over money owed for a takeout meal, ending with allegations of a baseball bat attack, gunfire inside a home, and theft of a cellphone.
Incident Overview
The suspect, Devante Payne, 30, was taken into custody following a reported attack on his roommate that police say began as a dispute over food leftovers. Investigators allege the confrontation quickly turned violent, leaving the victim with serious injuries that required hospital treatment.
The victim, whose name has not been released by authorities, told police he was assaulted inside the residence they shared.
Timeline of Events
According to investigators, the incident occurred on January 9, when Indianapolis police officers were dispatched to a local hospital. Officers responded after a patient receiving treatment claimed his injuries were the result of an attack and robbery carried out by his roommate.
Police reviewed the victim’s account while he was being treated and began gathering details about the events leading up to the assault.
Details From Police and Court Records
According to a probable cause affidavit cited by investigators and reported by the True Crime News Network, the argument centered around a takeout meal consisting of catfish and french fries that Payne had purchased earlier that day.
The victim allegedly owed $10 for the meal but told Payne it was not worth that amount and offered to pay $3 instead. The disagreement reportedly escalated almost immediately.
Police say Payne allegedly rushed at the victim, kicked him in the head, and then attacked him with a baseball bat.
“The victim stated he was struck in the shoulder and head with the bat until it broke,” officers wrote in the affidavit.
Investigators further allege that during the altercation, Payne fired a gun into the victim’s bedroom, significantly increasing the danger of the situation.
The victim reportedly lost consciousness during the attack.
Alleged Robbery and Threats
After the victim passed out, police say Payne allegedly stole the victim’s cellphone. According to the victim’s statement, Payne told him he would sell the phone in order to recover the $10 he believed he was owed for the meal.
The case details were first reported by the True Crime News Network, citing official court documents and police statements, which outlined the extent of the alleged violence and theft involved. Information about the case was publicly summarized by the outlet in its report on the arrest.
Arrest and Charges Filed
Officers located Payne the following day with the help of GPS monitoring, which he was reportedly under due to an unrelated case, according to investigators.
Police said Payne initially complied when officers attempted to arrest him but then allegedly pulled away during the encounter. Officers deployed a Taser to subdue him before placing him in handcuffs.
Payne now faces multiple felony charges, including:
- Armed robbery
- Kidnapping
- Possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon
- Criminal recklessness
Court records indicate Payne was jailed following his arrest and remains in custody as the case proceeds through the legal system.
Additional Context on Household Disputes
Law enforcement officials frequently warn that disputes between roommates or family members can escalate quickly, particularly when financial stress or substance use is involved. What begins as a verbal argument can turn dangerous when weapons are present.
Police advise individuals to remove themselves from heated situations and seek mediation or outside assistance rather than engaging in confrontations that could lead to injury or criminal charges.
Conclusion
What police say began as a disagreement over leftover food allegedly turned into a violent confrontation involving a bat, a firearm, and a robbery. Authorities continue to investigate the case as Devante Payne faces multiple serious charges stemming from the incident.
As the legal process moves forward, officials stress the importance of resolving conflicts peacefully to prevent injuries and life-altering consequences.
If you have experienced or witnessed a similar situation, consider reaching out to local resources or law enforcement for help. Share your experiences in the comments below.
