Man accused of ramming rod through victim's head

By ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published June 26, 2007

JUPITER - A man remained hospitalized Monday after being found with a metal rod through his head, and authorities said they arrested a suspect.

Patrick James Melehan, 19, was arrested Monday on charges including aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and burglary, according to the Jupiter Police Department.

Carlos Parnell Lopez, 19, of Jupiter Farms was listed in critical condition at St. Mary's Medical Center in West Palm Beach, police said.

Authorities found Lopez slumped behind the wheel of his vehicle at about 8:30 p.m. Saturday. He had been impaled with a metal rod that pierced through his forehead and protruded from the back of his skull, police said.

"It went all the way in his head, " said Jupiter police Officer Kelly Sanders.

Melehan is accused of attacking Lopez with the rod during an argument. The case was still being investigated Monday.

[Last modified June 25, 2007, 22:57:40]