Knoxville, TN (WOKI) – Knoxville police have arrested a man following a violent assault that left another man seriously injured early Sunday morning.
According to the Knoxville Police Department, officers were called to an apartment at 1100 Lula Powell Drive around 6:15 a.m. on May 31, 2026, after a report of an assault involving a hammer.
When officers arrived, 54-year-old Robert Meade reportedly stepped out of the apartment holding a hammer. Police ordered him to drop the weapon and quickly took him into custody without further incident.
Investigators say the victim, a 53-year-old man, told officers he had known Meade for several years and had allowed him to stay overnight at his apartment. The victim said he was asleep when Meade allegedly woke him and began striking him in the head with a hammer. He told police he was hit approximately five times during the attack.
The victim was transported to UT Medical Center for treatment and is expected to recover from his injuries.
Meade has been charged with attempted first-degree murder and possession of unlawful drug paraphernalia.
Police have not released additional details as the investigation continues.
