Sumpter Township man critically injured in trailer park attack

Suspect in custody, police say

SUMPTER TOWNSHIP, Mich. – A senior citizen was critically injured Friday in an attack at a trailer park in Sumpter Township.

Sumpter Township police said they have a suspect in custody in connection with the attack, which happened at 8 p.m. Friday on Arizona Street.

Investigators with the Michigan State Police Crime Lab spent hours piecing together the attack.

Someone from inside the house called 911 for help Friday night.

"I noticed the police coming down the street and thought maybe just the ambulance was called," said Tammy Deen, a neighbor.

But it became clear to neighbors this was something more serious than a medic run.

"They were looking around in abandoned trailers," Deen said. "There's a lot over here with flashing lights for quite a while looking for somebody."

Investigators told Local 4 News that they eventually found the person they suspect severely beat the man, who is in his 80s.

It doesn't appear there was a forced entry, leaving police and neighbors to believe the victim likely knew his attacker.

"It makes you wonder what happened, what's going on," Deen said.

Police insisted there's no threat to the neighborhood. They won't say if the detained person is related to the victim, but neighbors said a young family member has been staying at the residence. Neighbors' fears have been eased knowing someone is in custody.

Deen said that even though it wasn't random, it's "not OK it happened."

"That they have him, that definitely makes me feel better," Deen said.

The concern Saturday night was for the elderly man.

"I hope he pulls through and he's OK, and they figure out what's going on and why that even happened," Deen said. "It just doesn't make sense."

Local 4 News has learned the victim had surgery and was still listed in critical condition at a nearby hospital.

Sumpter Township police said they are awaiting charges to be filed against the suspect.

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About the Authors:

Derick is the Lead Digital Editor for ClickOnDetroit and has been with Local 4 News since April 2013. Derick specializes in breaking news, crime and local sports.