AUBURN, Maine (AP) — A Maine man accused of beating another man with a hammer has pleaded not guilty.

Thirty-one-year-old Jason Wotton, of Lewiston, pleaded not guilty to elevated aggravated assault Monday. Wotton is accused of beating 37-year-old Leon Hunt.

Police say Wotton pushed Hunt's head into the back of a tow truck and hit him with a hammer Friday in Auburn. Authorities say Wotton fled the scene but was later found hiding in a vehicle outside of his girlfriend's Lewiston apartment. Police say Wotton had blood on his clothes and face.

Hunt suffered severe head injuries and was taken to a hospital.

Police say Wotton's girlfriend said the two men were together the night before the assault.

Wotton was ordered held without bail. His next hearing is scheduled for December.

More From