(WWJ) A Shelby Township man is facing up to life in prison after it's alleged he randomly attacked and stabbed an elderly man in Sterling Heights.
The Macomb County Prosecutor's Office on Thursday announced that 31-year-old Defrim Lazaj has been charged with Assault with Intent to Murder and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in connection with the incident Tuesday morning.
According to investigators, the 76-year-old victim was out for his daily walk on Riverland Drive, near the Clinton River Trail, when Lazaj approached.
It's alleged that Lazaj followed the victim for several miles before attacking him from behind, punching him multiple times in the head and face, and then stabbing him with a knife.
Fortunately, several good Samaritans intervened, prosecutors said, causing Lazaj to flee.
Sterling Heights Police responded and arrested Lazaj nearby.
The victim was treated at a local hospital.
“Our senior citizens deserve to feel safe and secure in their communities, and attacks like this are absolutely intolerable,” said Macomb County Prosecutor Pete Lucido, in a statement. “This was a brutal, senseless act targeting one of our elderly residents. Protecting seniors is a top priority for my office, and we are committed to seeking justice for this victim and ensuring that those who harm our elders face the full consequences of the law.”
Where prosecutors did not discuss a possible motive for the assault, police earlier told reporters it's believed the attack was random, and that the suspect may have mental health issues.
Lazaj was arraigned in the 41A Sterling Heights District Court, where bond was set at $500,000 cash/surety only. If he's released on bond, Lazaj was ordered to wear a GPS tether and have no contact with the victim.
A probable cause hearing in the case is scheduled for Nov. 25.