An Old City apartment turned into a crime scene early Sunday after Knoxville police say a 54-year-old man repeatedly struck a sleeping acquaintance in the head with a hammer. The 53-year-old victim, who officers say was hit multiple times, was rushed to the hospital and is expected to recover. Police arrested the suspect at the apartment and booked him on attempted murder and related charges.
According to WBIR, officers responded to the Old City apartment at about 6:15 a.m. on May 31 after a 911 call and found the victim with severe head injuries. The station reports that the man had been struck five times in the head and was taken to the hospital for treatment. WBIR identifies the suspect as 54-year-old Robert Meade, who officers took into custody at the scene.
What police say
Per a police statement from the Knoxville Police Department, detectives arrested Robert Meade and charged him with attempted murder and possession of unlawful drug paraphernalia. Investigators believe the two men were acquaintances and that the hammer attack happened while the victim was sleeping, according to the department. Detectives say the investigation is ongoing and that charges could be updated as additional evidence is developed.
Charges and next steps
Meade remains in custody on attempted murder charges and will be processed through the Knox County criminal courts. The Knox County District Attorney’s Office handles felony prosecutions in Knox County and will decide whether to pursue any additional charges. An initial court appearance and any bond hearing will be scheduled through the court system, and court and booking records are expected to show Meade’s status once they become available.
Anyone with information about the case, or who may have video from the Old City area around the time of the assault, is asked to contact the Knoxville Police Department or Crime Stoppers to assist investigators. Contact details and resources for victims are available on the Knoxville Police Department website and through the Knox County District Attorney’s victim-witness office.
