MANCHESTER - A 32-year-old man was arrested Saturday on charges of attempted murder after he allegedly cut the pacemaker out of his father's chest.

Jesse Fierstine, 32, of Manchester, tried to kill Charles Fierstine, 63, according to the Delaware County Sheriff's Office. The county's dispatch center received a 911 call about 10:30 p.m. Saturday. The location of the incident was not disclosed.

The complaint alleges Jesse Fierstine struck his father in the head with a flashlight and piece of firewood. He then produced a pocketknife and cut Charles Fierstine's chest.

Charles Fierstine was initially taken to the Regional Medical Center in Manchester. He then was transported to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, according to a press release from the sheriff's office.

No information was available on his condition. A University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics official declined to confirm or deny he was at the hospital.

The brother of the victim, James Fierstine of Garber, believes Charles is in stable condition.

"We're all sitting here dumbfounded. … It's like something out of the 'Twilight Zone,'" James said Sunday afternoon.

James said he talked to his brother Saturday morning. James said they talked about finding a skid loader for Charles' other son, Jayson, but nothing about problems with Jesse.

About 11:30 p.m. Saturday, James said Charles' wife, Donna, called and said Jesse attacked his dad and they were on their way to Iowa City. She also said police were looking for Jesse.

James described the relationship between Jesse and his father as close. Charles and Donna also have a daughter. None of the children were living at home, James said.

"This is just totally out of nowhere," he added.

However, he said, Jesse has a history of bipolar disorder. James thinks the attack took place at Charles' residence at 2338 Jefferson Road, a couple of miles southeast of Manchester. Jesse lived on a nearby acreage, he said.

Charles Fierstine quit farming because of heart problems, James Fierstine said. He also said Jesse didn't work because of his mental health issues, and his parents supported him in exchange for help around the acreage.

"(Charles) was in and out of the hospital. I don't know if that was wearing on Jesse," James said.

Jesse Fierstine is being held in the Delaware County Jail. No information was available on bail.

Contact Matthew Wilde at (319) 291-1579 or matt.wilde@wcfcourier.com.