Authorities arrested a lineman after he allegedly assaulted and seriously injured a coworker during power restoration efforts in Nashville, according to newly obtained arrest documents.
The alleged assault occurred on Jan. 30 in the aftermath of a deadly winter storm but was not reported to police until Feb. 6.
The victim, also a lineman, told officers he was working outside a home with 36-year-old Harley Deline when the two began arguing.
He said Deline attempted to activate a transformer before it was safe.
“The victim stated he told the defendant several times not to activate the transformer while he went to the front of the residence to try and make contact with the homeowner,” arrest papers said.
According to an affidavit, Deline ignored the warning. When the victim returned to the back of the house, he saw Deline “closing the transformer, which could have been very dangerous,” and shouted for him to stop.
The argument escalated. When the victim approached Deline, police believe Deline launched a premeditated attack.
Deline allegedly twisted the victim’s shoulder and “kicked the victim’s feet out from under him,” the document stated.
The victim told police he was in pain and yelled at Deline to stop, but Deline allegedly responded, “No.”
Officers reported that the victim had a “very visible injury.” Arrest documents state that a doctor diagnosed him with a torn pectoral muscle and a torn shoulder requiring surgery.
The injured lineman said he believed the ambush was preplanned based on what Deline was wearing.
“The defendant was in full cold-weather gear prior to the assault and when he jumped the fence, the defendant was only in base layers as if this was premeditated given the temperatures were well below freezing,” the affidavit said.
Officers also spoke with a witness “who observed the entire altercation and corroborated the victim’s statements regarding the assault.”
“Given that the [victim] will need surgery and will have permanent scars, officers believe this meets the statute for aggravated assault,” arrest papers said.
Authorities charged Deline with aggravated assault, and court records show his bond was set at $10,000.
He is scheduled to appear in court on March 20.