A Tomball man is free on bail after he allegedly attacked a salesman who had an appointment at his home, biting off the salesman’s ear in the process.

David L. Nienberg, 42, posted a $30,000 bond Dec. 20 and was released from the Harris County Jail, after he was charged with aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury.

According to investigators, Nienberg allegedly became enraged at security system salesman Yaqub Bahm over something in the security system contract. Bahm tried to reassure Nienberg that changes could be made to the contract, but Nienberg took Bahm’s backpack and wouldn’t give it back.

The argument then escalated when Nienberg allegedly lunged at Bahm with a fork. According to the Harris County Sheriffs Office (HCSO) Nienberg then placed Bahm in a choke hold and began to hit and bite the salesman.

Nienberg’s son called 9-1-1. Deputies who responded witnessed the assault in progress and had to taser Nienberg twice in order to take him into custody.

According to Deputy Thomas Gilliland, spokesperson for HCSO, Nienberg began to mutter military jargon, initially leading investigators to think Nienberg was suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Nienberg’s family, however, told investigators that while he was a former member of the military, he was never deployed overseas or in combat.

Bham, who is a Muslim native of Pakistan, and his family believe it was a hate crime. Family members told several media outlets that Nienberg asked Bham the origin of his name and what his religion was.

Nienberg faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted of the current charge. Officials are currently looking into the hate crime allegations.

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