Box Elder man charged with trying to kill man near Havre

HAVRE, Mont. (AP) — A 35-year-old Box Elder man is charged with trying to kill another man east of Havre by jumping on his chest with his knees and kneeling on his throat.

Elias Wayne Stump made an initial appearance in Hill County Justice Court Monday on a charge of attempted deliberate homicide. He did not enter a plea.

Justice of the Peace Audrey Barger set Stump's bail at $250,000 and appointed a public defender. The public defender's office did not immediately return a phone call seeking comment.

Investigators say the victim reported he was sitting by the railroad tracks, drinking vodka and watching trains on Aug. 1 when Stump joined him. The victim said at some point Stump "snapped" and attacked him, breaking his ribs.

Police say a BNSF Railway worker stopped the assault and reported Stump threatened to kill the victim.