Times Staff Report

HOBART | A 24-year-old Valparaiso man was arrested Thursday night after he struck a fellow diner in the face, Hobart police Detective Jeff White said.

A 21-year-old Portage man told police Joseph Alan-Ray Hopper struck him in the face with a closed fist while they were standing outside Olive Garden, 1900 Southlake Mall Road.

The victim, whose nose was bloodied, said words were exchanged after his 14-year-old brother had made weird noises, White said.

It was sometime after the verbal altercation occurred that Hopper allegedly struck the victim.

The victim's father broke up the fight and police were called to the restaurant.

It's expected Hopper will be charged with battery, White said.