Exclusive: Forest City Man Charged with Felony Assault With a Tie Rod

A Rutherford County man has been charged with felony assault after authorities say he attacked another man with a deadly weapon.

Ernest Oly Horton, 64, of 763 Harris Henrietta Road, Forest City, allegedly assaulted Mickey Gene Graham Jr. on Nov. 4, 2025, using a tie rod, causing serious injury and acting with intent to kill, according to public court records.

A warrant for Horton’s arrest was issued and served the same day, and the case was filed in Rutherford District Court under file number 25CR455895-800. Horton was initially released on a court order but had a public defender appointed on Nov. 5. His bond was amended and set at $100,000, allowing multiple forms of secured release, including cash, property, or professional surety. Bond conditions include arrestable restrictions.

Horton is scheduled to appear in court on Nov. 13 before Judge Robert Martelle. The warrant lists Rutherford County Sheriff's Office Deputy Kolten Hildebrand as the complainant.