MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) – A 36-year-old Memphis man, Andrew Deaner, has been charged with attempted second-degree murder and drug possession after allegedly attacking a victim with an axe and a hammer on Friday afternoon in the Crosstown area.
The Memphis Police Department reports that the assault occurred near the Classic Mart at the intersection of North Cleveland Street and Peach Avenue. The victim, who was struck with both an axe and a hammer, was initially rushed to Regional One Hospital with life-threatening injuries but was later upgraded to non-critical condition.
A witness inside the Classic Mart told police that they heard the store manager hit a buzzer indicating an emergency. The witness then saw a man, later identified as Andrew Deaner, running out of the store carrying an axe and hammer. Deaner allegedly fled to a tent located on the opposite side of Peach Avenue, which police believe belonged to him. He is said to have then attacked individuals inside the tent.
Despite his injuries, the victim attempted to flee the scene but was apprehended by police, who discovered that he had active warrants for aggravated robbery and aggravated burglary. Deaner was found nearby and taken into custody. Police reportedly discovered methamphetamine, cocaine, and a crack pipe in Deaner’s fanny pack.
The weapons used in the attack were never recovered. Deaner is being held at the Shelby County Jail on a $300,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday morning. Court records show Deaner has a lengthy criminal history, including a previous arrest in December 2016 after a standoff where he allegedly held his girlfriend hostage at knifepoint. Those charges were eventually dismissed.
