Lineman accused of seriously injuring his coworker in ambush during winter storm power restoration

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV/Gray News) — A lineman was arrested after allegedly assaulting and seriously injuring his coworker during power restoration operations in Nashville, according to newly obtained arrest papers.

The assault allegedly happened on Jan. 30 in the aftermath of a fatal winter storm, but it was reported to police on Feb. 6.

The victim, who is also a lineman, told police that he was working with 36-year-old Harley Deline outside a home when they got into an argument.

The victim told police Deline was trying to turn a transformer on before it was safe to do so.

“The victim stated he told the defendant several times not to activate the transformer while he went to the front of the residence to try and make contact with the homeowner,” arrest papers said.

But Deline didn’t listen, an affidavit said. As the victim returned to the back of the house, he spotted Deline “closing the transformer, which could have been very dangerous,” so he yelled for him to stop.

An argument ensued, and when the victim approached Deline, Deline allegedly went after him in what police believe was a premeditated attack.

Deline allegedly manipulated the victim’s shoulder and “kicked the victim’s feet out from under him,” the document said.

The victim said he was hurt and yelled at his coworker to stop, but Deline allegedly said, “No.”

Police noted the victim had had “very visible injury,” and, according to arrest papers, a doctor told him he had a torn pectoral muscle and a torn shoulder that would need surgery.

The injured lineman told police he believed the ambush was premeditated because of what Deline was wearing.

“The defendant was in full cold-weather gear prior to the assault and when he jumped the fence, the defendant was only in base layers as if this was premeditated given the temperatures were well below freezing,” the affidavit said.

Officers were able to speak with a witness “who observed the entire altercation and corroborated the victim’s statements regarding the assault.”

“Given that the [victim] will need surgery and will have permanent scars, officers believe this meets the statute for aggravated assault,” arrest papers said.

Deline was charged with aggravated assault, and his bond was set at $10,000, court records show.

He is scheduled to appear in court on March 20.