A Hixson man is on life support after a vicious attack by a fellow inmate at the McMinn County Jail in Athens, Tn., on Saturday night.
Family friends said the outlook is bleak for 48-year-old Tim Cook, a Navy veteran, after he was kicked repeatedly in the head..
He had been arrested in Athens on a driving while intoxicated charge.
Sheriff Joe Guy told the Athens Post Athenian that Cook was in a booking area with 24-year-old Jerrod Jones. He said Jones, after making a phone call, suddenly began a surprise attack on Cook.
He said the attack lasted about 20 seconds before guards were able to pull him off.
Tim Cook, the father of a 12-year-old son, was transported to the University of Tennessee Hospital in Knoxville.
Family friends said he has little brain activity after the attack.
The victim's parents also live in Hixson.
Jones had been taken to jail for misdemeanor charges of shoplifting, theft and trespassing.
He has since been charged with aggravated assault.
The TBI is investigating the incident.