Man Charged in Bristol Axe Attack

A Bristol, Tennessee man is in jail tonight accused of using an axe to attack another man during a fight.

Bristol police arrested Frank Allen Royal Tuesday after officers were called to Bristol Regional Medical Center to investigate the attack.

The victim, Steve Nelms, told detectives he was drinking beer with Royal when the two became involved in an argument. Nelms said Royal then told him he was going to kill him and left to get a pick axe. When he returned, Nelms said Royal attacked him with the axe. A witness told investigators he was able to stop the attack by taking the axe away from Royal.

Nelms was treated for non life-threatening injuries to his back, arm and stomach.

Royal was arrested a short time later at his Weaver Pike residence and charged with attempted first degree murder. His bond is set at $100,000.