Marion County deputies arrested a man accused of attacking another resident at a transient camp in a wooded area behind TimberRidge Hospital on Southwest Highway 200.
According to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called to the hospital’s emergency department on Nov. 8 after a man arrived with multiple stab-like wounds, including deep cuts to his arm, hand, and underarm. The victim told deputies he was attacked by 54-year-old John Alexander Anthony, who allegedly struck him with a piece of PVC pipe that had a metal plumbing fitting attached to the end.
Deputies found Anthony in a nearby camp, lying on the ground and covered in what turned out to be the victim’s blood. Investigators said Anthony appeared intoxicated and admitted to hitting the victim after an argument. A witness told deputies the two had been arguing and claimed the victim slapped Anthony before the fight broke out.
Deputies recovered the broken PVC pipe, which they described as jagged and bloodied, and later arrested Anthony for aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and possession of drug paraphernalia after finding a glass pipe that tested positive for THC.
Anthony was booked into the Marion County Jail and held without bond.
