FREDERICK, Md. (AP) — A Frederick painting contractor is charged with slashing an employee in the forearm with a medieval-style battle ax.

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Forty-four-year-old Andrew Scalera faces a preliminary hearing Aug. 24 into the incident early Monday morning. He didn't return calls to his home or business Wednesday.

The Frederick News-Post reports that the victim told police he was doing some paperwork at Scalera's house when Scalera accused him of stealing quarters from his bedroom.

The man says he denied the allegation but Scalera became enraged and choked him. He says Scalera then went back to his bedroom and returned with the ax.

He contends Scalera hit him with the weapon as he was trying to spray him with pepper spray.

Court records state the 2-inch gash chipped a bone in the victim's arm.