An Orangeburg man is in critical condition after he was struck in the head with a hatchet Wednesday, police say.

Timmie Myers Sweat, 48, was airlifted to an undisclosed hospital after suffering at least one blow to the head with a hatchet.

“Officers arrived on scene and found Mr. Sweat with what appeared to be a serious wound to his head,” said Orangeburg Department of Public Safety spokesman Capt. Mike Adams. “It appears alcohol may have played a part in the assault.”

Adams said 68-year-old Queen Ester Springer was taken into custody and charged with assault and battery with intent to kill.

The incident took place at their residence at 1240 St. Paul Apartments. Police were called out to the Enterprise Street apartment complex around 12:04 p.m. after receiving word of a domestic dispute.

At the complex, they found Sweat in a semi-conscious state.

“The victim’s condition appeared grave,” Adams said. “He was medivaced to an undisclosed hospital. I’d say within 30 minutes he was out of there.”

He said, “We’re cautiously optimistic about his condition.”

Investigators found a hatchet 13 inches long at the apartment that they say may have been used to inflict Sweat’s laceration to the head.

Police say they do not believe anyone else was involved in the situation.

Lt. Dennis Romanstine is leading the ongoing investigation.

T&D Staff Writer Richard Walker can be reached by e-mail at rwalker@timesanddemocrat.com or by telephone at 803-533-5516.

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