Hammond Man Accused of Causing Permanent Eye Injury in Tire Iron Assault
A Hammond man has been charged in connection with a March 28, 2025, incident in which another man was struck in the face with a tire iron, resulting in permanent injury, according to court documents.
Anthony David Diaz, 59, faces multiple felony charges stemming from an altercation near the intersection of Calumet Avenue and Thornton Street in Hammond.
According to court documents, officers were dispatched around 11:04 p.m. to a report of two males fighting in the street near Just Toni’s Bar. A witness reported seeing the two men physically struggling in the roadway. The witness, who was delivering food in the area, told police he stopped his vehicle and attempted to break up the fight.
The witness stated that after separating the men, Diaz went to his vehicle, retrieved a tire iron, and struck the other male in the face. Officers arriving on scene observed the injured male bleeding from under his left eye.
According to court documents, both individuals had visible injuries. Diaz had a swollen left eye and scratches on his left elbow. The other male sustained a severe laceration near his left eye and was transported by the Hammond Fire Department to Munster Community Hospital.
Medical records obtained by investigators indicated the man struck with the tire iron suffered permanent iris damage, multiple iris sphincter tears, and diminished iris function in the left eye.
Diaz is currently lodged in the Lake County Jail.
Charged on June 3, 2025, with:
- Aggravated Battery – Level 3 felony
- Battery by Means of a Deadly Weapon – Level 5 felony
- Battery Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury – Level 5 felony
- Battery Resulting in Moderate Bodily Injury – Level 6 felony
