A Bloomfield man is facing a felony battery charge after police say he struck a coworker with a piece of wood during a workplace altercation at the Greene County Pallet Factory.

William Middleton, 67, was arrested on a Level 5 battery by means of a deadly weapon charge following a July 28 incident that left the victim with visible injuries to his knee and chest, according to a probable cause affidavit.

Deputy Devan Goad with the Greene County Sheriff’s Department responded to the factory after the victim reported that Middleton hit him in the kneecap with a 2-foot-long piece of wood and attempted to strike him again. The victim told police that he had arrived at work that morning and noticed Middleton was in a bad mood, reportedly upset over having to work the previous weekend while he did not.

According to the affidavit, Middleton allegedly called the victim a "lazy piece of s***" and accused him of not doing his job. When the victim suggested Middleton do his job for him, Middleton allegedly picked up a board and, after the victim warned him not to use it as a weapon, swung it "like a baseball bat," striking the victim in the knee.

The victim reportedly rolled up his pant leg and showed the deputy a laceration on his left knee consistent with being hit by a sharp-edged object. He also had a red mark on the right side of his chest, where he said he was partially struck a second time. The victim declined an ambulance but said he might seek medical attention at a hospital.

The victim showed officers the board allegedly used in the assault—a 2-foot-long 2x4 with a pointed end, which was collected as evidence at the scene.

Deputies later located Middleton at his residence. He told police that he and the victim "don’t really get along" and that the victim became "mouthy" while he was cutting wood. Middleton admitted he "tossed" a piece of wood that struck a chop saw, which he claimed then hit the victim. He denied intentionally hitting the victim and said he had warned him not to approach.

Middleton was taken into custody and transported to the Greene County Jail where he was initially held without bond. At his initial hearing on July 29, a bond of $25,000 surety with 10% cash allowed was set.