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More information has been released following a reported ax attack and shooting in self-defense Monday and the hospitalization of three people.
Bellaire Police Chief J.J. Watson released the initial report Monday evening, stating police responded to a call about a domestic dispute and shots fired in the area of 41st and Noble streets. Officers arrived and found a man apparently had been attacked and struck with an ax. That man then shot the assailant in self-defense, police said.
Michael Hummel, 47, of New Philadelphia, Ohio, was hospitalized with wounds to the neck and shoulder from the ax attack. The suspect, Joseph James, 28, no address provided, also was hospitalized with a gunshot wound. A woman from Bellaire also was taken to a hospital for treatment of injuries that apparently stemmed from the domestic dispute.
"The ax-wielder, he was taken to the hospital, I think in Wheeling, and he ended up going to Northern Regional Jail on warrants out of Athens County." Watson said.
Watson said he believed all three had been released from the hospital. The incident remains under investigation.
Belmont County Prosecutor Kevin Flanagan could not be reached for comment Tuesday.