AMBRIDGE — A black Western Pennsylvania man has been charged with attempted homicide after police say he used an 18-inch sword to stab a drunk white man who yelled racial slurs at his own dog and the suspect.

Forty-four-year-old Vernon Bridges, of Ambridge, allegedly stabbed 48-year-old Ronald Book with an 18-inch blade concealed in a cane on Thanksgiving. Police say the blade went in Book's abdomen and came out his back.

Book was in critical condition at UPMC Presbyterian hospital.

Police say the stabbing happened after Bridges overheard Book, his neighbor, yelling racial slurs at the animal and Book's son — who is also white and had allegedly let the animal run free. Police say Book began yelling slurs at Bridges after he told Book to quiet down.

It's not clear if Bridges has an attorney. Police say Bridges is claiming self-defense.

GETTYSBURG — Could Gettysburg be the next location in Pennsylvania to get approved for slots?Gettysburg businessman Dave LeVan and a group of unidentified investors are seeking a Category III slots license. That category restricts the size of a facility to no more than 500 machines limits patronage to hotel guests, or pass-holders.