1 airlifted, 3 arrested in battery case

VIGO CO., Ind. (WTHI) - One victim was airlifted after receiving severe facial injuries, and three suspects were arrested after fleeing the scene in northern Vigo County.

Early Sunday morning, Vigo County sheriff's deputy John Newman responded to a call to dispatch about an aggravated battery around 96th Ave. and N. Atherton St. In northern Vigo County.

Upon arrival, deputy Newman discovered a male victim laying along the side of the roadway with severe facial injuries.  There was also a female victim; however, her injuries were minor.

Medical personnel from Otter Creek Rescue, along with Transcare Ambulance were summoned, and determined the extent of Brandon Pettiford's facial injuries were so severe, they summoned Lifeline to airlift him to an Indianapolis hospital.

In the investigation that followed, VCSD detective Jason Fischer revealed Pettiford had been invited as a guest to a party on Rio Grande Rd., where an altercation took place.

According to a release from the Vigo County Sheriff's Department, after leaving the party with the Jesse Stout, the pair noticed they were being trailed by a pickup, driven by Jesse Norton, 20, with David Rayhel, 21, and Britanie Parrish, 20, of as his passengers.

The release stated Stout later revealed that Rayhel was her boyfriend at the time.

The chase ended near a cornfield in the Atherton area, where Stout exited the vehicle and was immediately battered by Rayhel, accompanied by Parrish.

As Rayhel and Parris attempted to drag Stout off the roadway, Pettiford exited the vehicle in an attempt to help Stout.  Shortly after, Norton and Rayhel proceeded to severely batter Pettiford.

According to the release, Norton, Rayhel and Parris fled the scene, but were later located near 13th and Poplar Streets by VC sheriff's deputies, along with the assitance of the Terre Haute and the Indiana State University Police Departments.

The trio were taken into custody, questioned and arrested for:

•     Jesse Norton, 20, of Marshall, Ill. - Battery Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury -
•     David Rayhel, 21, of Terre Haute - Battery Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury -
•     Britanie Parrish, 20, of Terre Haute - Battery - Misdemeanor