FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO): Two men were sent to the hospital in serious condition after police say there was a machete stabbing on Tuesday morning near downtown Fort Wayne.

When offers responded to the 700 block of Columbia Avenue at about 12:18 a.m. they found a man on the sidewalk suffering from an apparent stab wound, according to the Journal Gazette.

Police found the alleged assailant at an apartment and he said he acted in self-defense. He said the victim had started punching him during an earlier confrontation.

Both men suffered stab wounds and were sent to the hospital.

The stabbings are under investigation. Police say the subjects were intoxicated.