On Tuesday (February 21st), at around 8:30am the Piedmont Police Department received multiple calls of a possible assault in progress with a hammer in the area of the 400 block of Walker Street.

Upon arrival officers came into contact with the suspect, later identified as Byron Jake Bailey, 41, of Piedmont.  Bailey was detained by officers while they attempted to locate the victim, Kevin McMurray, age 40, of Piedmont.  Officers were able to locate the injured victim at another location not far from the Walker Street address.

The victim had numerous injuries to his head consistent with a hammer and officers requested Piedmont Fire and Piedmont Rescue to respond to the location.

Investigators were able to learn that the two men are acquaintances, and the assault was after an argument between the two. The victim was able to escape the attack from Bailey by running up the street to another location where he was later located.

According to Piedmont Police Chief Nathan Johnson, the victim was transported to the hospital with serious injuries to his head and body.

Bailey was taken into custody and transported to the Calhoun County Jail where he was charged with Attempt to Commit Murder; the bond was set for $30,000.

Bailey’s first court appearance is scheduled for April 3, 2023.

(Calhoun Journal/www.calhounjournal.com)