Pacers Fan Charged with Stabbing Knicks Supporters in Carmel, Indiana

Carmel, Indiana – A 24-year-old Indiana Pacers fan is facing serious charges after allegedly stabbing two New York Knicks supporters at a local brewery during the NBA playoffs on Friday night.

Jarrett Funke, of Hamilton County, has been charged with two Level 5 felonies for battery by means of a deadly weapon and battery resulting in serious bodily injury, along with one Level 6 felony for criminal recklessness with a deadly weapon. If convicted, he could face significant prison time and fines.

The incident took place at Danny Boy Beer Works while the Pacers played the Knicks in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals at Madison Square Garden. The Pacers won the game, gaining a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.

According to court documents, the altercation began after Funke removed a Knicks hat from one of the victims. Witnesses reported that Funke had been confrontational prior to the stabbing. One of the victims, who suffered a stab wound to his back, described showing Funke a black folding pocket knife but not intending to use it.

Funke claims he was attacked first, stating that the Knicks fans “were talking shit” and that they pushed him, prompting him to defend himself. However, multiple witnesses identified Funke as the primary aggressor.

When police arrived at the brewery, the two victims were reported to be “bleeding profusely.” One individual sustained more severe injuries, including a minor lung tear and a broken rib.

The incident follows a history of tension between the two fan bases. Just days earlier, a Pacers fan was targeted with thrown debris outside Madison Square Garden after the Knicks’ previous playoff victory.

Funke is currently being held in Hamilton County Jail with no bond. He is scheduled for a hearing on Tuesday afternoon, coinciding with Game 4 of the playoff series between the two teams.