SHARPSBURG (KDKA) – A man accused of attacking bar patrons with a meat cleaver in Sharpsburg was held for trial Wednesday afternoon.

James “Jimmy Joe” Rulli, 55, was facing a long list of charges, including attempted homicide after the incident earlier this month.

The attempted homicide charge was dropped during Wednesday’s hearing, but he is still facing reckless endangerment and other charges.

Rulli is accused of pulling the cleaver from his jacket and swinging it at other patrons at Big Pat’s Bar while intoxicated.

Several customers tackled him and held him down until police could arrive.

An acquaintance said his alleged actions were out of character for him.

“I’ve known him for about 25 years or so,” she said. “He’s a wonderful guy. Everybody loves Jim. He’s been going through some problems –a lot of health problems and I think he just … I don’t know, I guess he snapped.”

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