Michigan City Man Arrested After Stabbing Near Tavern
MICHIGAN CITY- A Michigan City man, identified in court records as Bertrell Benitez Randle, 43, has been charged with Attempted Murder and Aggravated Battery after a stabbing near Rocco’s Tavern on Franklin Street that left a man critically injured Monday evening, October 27, 2025.
Detectives said officers were dispatched around 7:30 p.m. after reports that a man had been stabbed near 9th and Franklin Streets. Witnesses told police they saw two men walking northbound on Franklin, one of whom was antagonizing the victim, who was walking his two small dogs nearby .
According to the affidavit, surveillance footage from nearby businesses showed Randle following the victim north along the east sidewalk of Franklin Street, approaching him from behind, grabbing him, and striking him several times. Investigators said footage captured Randle holding a knife in his right hand, appearing to stab the victim near the left side of his chest and jaw before fleeing south on Franklin and then turning back north again moments later .
The victim was airlifted from the scene by Lutheran Air to Memorial Hospital in South Bend with stab wounds to his chest and jaw, one of which struck a small artery and caused heavy bleeding.
Randle and another man were later detained near 8th and Washington Streets. Police said both appeared intoxicated. During interviews, the second man admitted seeing Randle with a tan-handled knife earlier that evening and said Randle later told him “they needed to move because the police were coming.” Detectives later recovered a pocket-style knife with a manila handle in an alley behind a recycling bin near the scene .
When questioned, Randle admitted being involved in a fight with a man walking dogs but claimed the man had struck him first. He denied stabbing anyone and said he ran after being pulled away by a friend. Surveillance video and witness statements, however, reportedly confirmed Randle as the suspect seen pursuing and stabbing the victim .
Charges Filed October 29, 2025:
• Attempted Murder – Level 1 Felony
• Aggravated Battery – Level 3 Felony
Lodged in the LaPorte County Jail.
