Roberto Vazquez Used Medieval Weapon To Attack Utility Worker, New Jersey Cops Say

A New Jersey man allegedly got medieval on a utility worker who was trying to cut off his electricity, beating him into unconsciousness with a flail.

Roberto Vazquez, 37, was charged with attempted murder on Wednesday after allegedly attacking 53-year-old Atlantic City Electric employee Matthew Pinto with what cops described as "a mace-like weapon," according to the Gloucester County Times.

Vazquez, the owner of a tattoo parlor in Hammonton allegedly had a $1,200 outstanding balance with the electric company. Vazquez had his power cut before the Feb. 8 incident, but he restored it by cutting a lock and manipulating the meter, investigators said.

When Pinto tried to disconnect the power, Vazquez allegedly grabbed the weapon -- described as a 16-inch wood handle with two spiked metal spheres -- and beat Pinto in the head, according to NBC Philadelphia.

Pinto reportedly woke up inside Vazquez's home, bleeding from the head. Vazquez then tried to tell Pinto not to go to police, but he drove to a precinct, where cops found him sitting on the station stoop, disoriented.

Vazquez faces counts of attempted murder, aggravated assault, tampering with evidence, obstruction of justice and weapons charges, among others.

Pinto was treated at the hospital and released after receiving some stitches.