Jefferson County Man Charged in Hammer Assault, Held Without Bond

Jefferson Co., Mo. (KFMO) - A Jefferson County man is being held without bond after authorities say he brutally assaulted his neighbor with a hammer.

According to a probable cause statement from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, the incident happened around 4:10 p.m. Thursday, February 12, in a neighborhood just off Highway 21. Investigators say the victim went to speak with his neighbor, James R. Davis, after Davis’ son was allegedly picking on the victim’s stepson. Surveillance video reportedly shows a heated conversation, followed by both men moving toward one another. The victim is then seen stumbling backward and running from the scene while holding his face. Detectives say Davis was seen holding an object in his right hand and could be heard yelling an expletive-laced threat to kill his neighbor.

Authorities also say Davis later told investigators that if he were in Mississippi, he could shoot his neighbor just for walking onto his property.

Deputies who arrived at the scene found the victim bleeding profusely and suffering from severe blunt force trauma to the face. A large amount of blood was also found on Davis’ property, and deputies recovered the alleged weapon.

The Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has charged Davis with first-degree assault and armed criminal action.