(Estherville)– Charges have been filed against two men in connection with an incident Friday in which an Estherville man was attacked and injured.
Estherville police say it happened shortly before 7:00 p.m. Authorities say 64-year-old Gary Dean Smith of Estherville had returned to his apartment when he was attacked by two men. Smith was struck multiple times with a blunt object, including a machete.
Police were called to the scene at Sheltgren Apartments when a neighbor heard Smith’s cries for help.
Upon arriving, officers encountered two men in Smith’s residence–one was apprehended, the other fled on foot but was captured after a short foot chase.
27-year-old Adam Harding and 26-year-old Bret Lamp both of Estherville were arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit a forcible felony…a class “C” felony; attempted murder…a class “B” felony; and burglary in the first degree…also a class “B” felony. Additional charges of theft in the first degree…a class “C” felony, and interference with official acts…a simple misdemeanor…were filed against Harding.
Both men were booked into the Emmet county jail without bond. Arraignment is set for early February.
Smith was taken by ambulance to Avera Holy Family Hospital in Estherville and was transferred by air to a Sioux Falls hospital. No information was immediately available on his condition or extent of injuries.
Authorities say the incident remains under investigation.
