Dayton man pleads not guilty to attack against 88-year-old great-uncle

UPDATE @ 5 p.m. (Sept. 17)

A 28-year-old Dayton man who has pleaded not guilty to charges stemming from an attack last month of his 88-year-old great uncle in Preble County will have a jury trial in November.

Jeffery R. Hardin Jr. was indicted Sept. 10 for attempted murder, aggravated burglary, felonious assault, vandalism and assault.

His trial is scheduled for Nov. 26 in Preble County Common Pleas Court.

FIRST REPORT

A 28-year-old Dayton man is scheduled to be arraigned in court today for allegedly attacking his 88-year-old great-uncle in Preble County.

Jeffery R. Hardin Jr., of Dayton, was indicted on aggravated burglary, felonious assault, vandalism, assault, operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs and using weapons while intoxicated by a Preble County grand jury, according to court documents.

The victim told deputies that Hardin was responsible for the attack, which occurred on Aug. 23, inside a home on Germantown Road, south of West Alexandria.

According to court documents, a series of events occurred during the attack including Hardin using an SUV to ram the garage of the home and forcing his way inside. He also reportedly said several times, during and after the attack, that he was going to kill the victim.

Hardin, who was reportedly intoxicated at the time, also drove to a house on East Factory Road where he reportedly punched a resident, took his gun and fired two shots into the ground before throwing the gun back at the resident. This allegedly occurred after the resident said he could not help Hardin in giving him a tire, deputies said.

Deputies found Hardin’s great-uncle beaten and bleeding with several bruises and said it was unknown if he would survive, per court documents.

The victim is listed as a patient at Miami Valley Hospital and is in serious condition, according to a hospital spokesperson.

Hardin’s arraignment will be held in Preble County Common Pleas Court.

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