John Mangalonzo, The Hawk Eye, Burlington, Iowa –
Des Moines County prosecutors filed serious charges Monday against a West Burlington man, alleging he struck a co-worker in the head with a torque wrench while that employee was helping a customer.
Charles Lee Weddington, 19, is charged in district court with attempted murder, willful injury and going armed with intent.
He remains in jail in lieu of $500,000 bail.
If convicted on all charges, Weddington could face 40 years in prison.
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Emergency medical crews were called last week to Walmart Supercenter’s tire and lube service shop for a man, later identified as Trent Ramsdell, 21, who had a head injury.
A customer told police he was getting an oil change and was being assisted by Ramsdell when Weddington walked up behind his co-worker and swung a two-foot torque wrench, weighing anywhere from eight to 12 pounds, and struck Ramsdell in the head.
The torque wrench had a three-inch metal socket on its end.
Authorities said according to the customer, Weddington then stood over Ramsdell, who fell on the ground, and said: “Whose the (racial slur for a black man) now?”
The customer immediately called for help. Weddington removed his shirt and threw it on the ground.
Investigators reviewed the lube center’s surveillance footage, which they say showed Weddington following Ramsdell around the shop while holding the wrench before the incident.
Ramsdell went back to the shop’s bay area after Weddington approached him outside, authorities said, adding Weddington kept a close watch over Ramsdell.
The video reportedly also showed Weddington swinging the wrench with both hands, hitting Ramsdell in the head.
He then dropped the wrench and walked out of the shop. Police have seized the tool and secured it as evidence.
Ramsdell initially was taken by ambulance to Great River Medical Center. He later was flown by helicopter to University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, where he received treatment for severe head trauma.
