Longview Man Jailed for Bludgeoning Elderly Couple with Claw Hammer

A Longview man is jailed on $4 million bond after attacking a couple near Dallas with a claw hammer.

Michael Ferris was attempting to burglarize the elderly couple’s home. When he was discovered he allegedly bludgeoned the two with a claw hammer before fleeing the home empty handed. He was later arrested trying to steal a motorized scooter from a 26-year-old man.

Schools in Tatum were on lock-down for about three hours until Ferris was apprehended. Authorities say the scene at the couple’s home was gruesome, but that the two victims are doing well in stable condition in the hospital.

Ferris has been charged with two counts of attempted murder and two charges of injury to the elderly.