Macomb Township man attacks neighbor over leaves, deputies say

MACOMB TOWNSHIP, Mich. – A 57-year-old Macomb Township man is charged with assault for attacking his neighbor during a dispute over leaves, authorities said.

The Macomb County Sheriff's Office said Jerry Thomas Ficht got upset Nov. 5 when his neighbor's leaf blower blew leaves onto his property in the 4600 block of Chatsworth.

Ficht started screaming and punching the 52-year-old neighbor, deputies said. That man has been identified as Steve Miller. Miller's girlfriend came out with a gun and told Ficht to stop or she would shoot, deputies said.

Ficht stopped punching Miller and was taken into custody.

Deputies said the Miller's 68-year-old girlfriend is licensed to carry a concealed weapon.

Ficht is charged with assault with intent to commit great bodily harm less than murder.

Man suffers severe trauma, undergoes brain surgery

Miller suffered severe head trauma from the beating. He underwent 4 hours of brain surgery. He is conscious at a hospital. Family members say he has a long road to recovery.

Here is Miller before the beating:

Here is Miller in the hospital:

An online fund has been started to help with Miller's hospital bills. You can find it here.