Duluth man faces attempted murder for allegedly attacking 81-year-old with a hammer

A criminal complaint outlines more about what appears to be a surprise attack inside a bathroom at Mount Royal Market.

Authorities said the victim, Bradley French, had been using the restroom around 9am on Friday morning.

Another man in the bathroom, Lance Tolbert, allegedly came out of a stall and started hitting him in the head with a hammer.

The 81-year-old fought back, and was able to get the hammer away from the suspect. According to the complaint, the attack stopped when someone else came into the bathroom.

Police arrested Tolbert a short time later heading away from the store.

The 43-year-old now faces attempted murder in the 1st degree, premeditated. He remains in custody on a $500,000 bail.

Police said French’s condition is stable. He did need surgery for his injuries.