Authorities in Wyoming say an Indian man attacked a non-Indian police officer who is dating an Indian woman.

George Dewey, 52, is charged with first-degree attempted murder, kidnapping, aggravated assault and battery, felony interference with a peace officer and possession of a deadly weapon with unlawful intent. He allegedly attacked off-duty Fremont County sheriff's deputy Calvin Martin with a hatchet.

"We know that ... the defendant had racist tendencies that Deputy Martin was in a mixed relationship with a Native American female," county attorney Brian Varn said at a hearing, the Associated Press reported.

A detective said people overheard Dewey make racial comments prior to the September 1 attack, which occurred in Riverton, a border town by the Wind River Reservation. The Indian Country status of Riverton has been questioned in some court cases.

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Police link attack to race issues (AP 9/11)