As the temperature rises, so do tempers, according to local law enforcement.

That was true last month when two young men got into a heated altercation that resulted in one being stabbed several times.

Christopher Freison, 20,

is lucky to be alive. His was repeatedly stabbed by Willie Mitchell on April 5, that left him with a punctured right lung. Freison stayed in the hospital for several days following the incident. He is now at home and says he has learned his lesson.

A Dallas County grand jury has now indicted Mitchell on one count of assault first degree. Mitchell could face a jury trial or more than likely plead guilty for a lighter sentence.

Mitchell, 24, claimed he had no problem with Freison during a preliminary hearing held last month. However, the District Attorney’s office and police have a different story.

According to police reports, the stabbing incident occurred on April 5, when Mitchell stabbed Freison in the back and on both shoulders.

Mitchell contends Freison and a group of friends jumped on him and beat him up two weeks before the stabbing.

Freison testified in a preliminary hearing that he was walking pass Mitchell’s home, located at 820 Apache St. when Mitchell suddenly jumped off his porch and said, “I told you I was going to get you and I got two more I got to get.”

Mitchell allegedly stabbed Freison three times and then fled the scene. Neighbors helped Freison inside their home and called the police and ambulance.

Mitchell testified in the preliminary hearing that he was merely defending himself because Freison appeared to have a gun. However, Freison claims he did not have a gun. Police did not find a gun in the victim’s possession.

District Attorney Ed Greene calls the incident a “senseless act of violence.”