James J. Tiani

A Butler man is accused of pulling a knife on and using racial slurs at another man during a weekend altercation in the city.

Butler police Sunday arrested 59-year-old James J. Tiani, who goes by the nickname “Jimmy the Knife,” on three charges. He was placed in the Butler County Prison following his arrest.

Police said they were called shortly before 2 p.m. Saturday to the victim's home on North Elm Street. He told an officer that he was just walking home from a convenience store on East Jefferson Street when Tiani approached him near the Grapevine Center.

The defendant yelled an obscenity and used a racial epithet at the victim, who is black, and threatened to beat him up, according to court documents.

“Tiani then pulled a pocket knife out,” a police affidavit said, “and held it towards (the victim).” He allegedly used another racial slur and threatened to kill the victim.

The other man told Tiani to leave him alone, police said, and also advised the defendant that he was too old to fight.

Find out what happened next in Tuesday's Butler Eagle.