A Sterling Heights community is grappling with the shock of a violent, unprovoked attack on a 76-year-old man while he was out for his morning walk. According to
CBS News Detroit
, the incident occurred Tuesday morning on Riverland Drive, near the Clinton River Trail.
The police say the suspect, identified as 31-year-old Defrim Lazaj from Shelby Township, had followed the victim for miles before attacking him from behind. Witnesses, including one Linda Lucia who was driving by the scene, witnessed the attacker “profusely hitting” the elderly man and “had both of his hands completely around the older gentleman’s throat,” as Lucia described, as per
CBS News Detroit
. The suspect was reportedly making strange remarks leading up to the attack and eventually assaulted and stabbed the victim.
The Sterling Heights Police acted swiftly upon receiving 911 calls, arresting Lazaj after a short pursuit. He faces charges that include assault with intent to murder and assault with a dangerous weapon, with Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido emphasizing the need for seniors to “feel safe and secure in their communities” and condemning the attack as a “brutal, senseless act,” as per
CBS News Detroit
. Meanwhile, the victim was hospitalized with injuries to his face and is expected to recover.
While the motive behind the brutal assault remains to be thoroughly investigated, police told
WWJ Newsradio
that they believe mental health issues may have been a factor. Lazaj, upon release, is to be held on a $500,000 cash bond and, if released, must wear a GPS tether and have no contact with the victim. The elderly man, who has not been publicly named, sustained a minor stab wound to his shoulder in addition to other injuries but is thankfully on the mend.
Lucia, the passerby who called 911, recounted the aftermath to
WXYZ
, saying the victim continually thanked her and blessed her, a harrowing reminder of the distressing reality behind random acts of violence. She expressed concern and fear, stating, “You usually don’t think that when you’re going to go take a nice stroll in the morning or go for a nice exercise or walk or whatever that you’re going to get attacked.” This incident has left a scar on a neighborhood that considered its public spaces safe, challenging that belief with a random act of cruel violence.
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