(WWJ) A Farmington Hills man faces up to 10 years behind bars in connection with a brutal attack on an elderly man inside a YMCA locker room.
An Oakland County jury found 21-year-old Malik Smith guilty of Assault with Intent to do Great Bodily Harm.
The assault happened back in March involving an 80-year-old man, at the YMCA on Farmington Road.
Authorities said there was an argument, and a witness tried to stop Smith before he slammed the victim's head against a counter.
A Good Samaritan — later revealed to be Michigan Wolverines football legend Braylon Edwards — intervened and pulled Smith away, and 9-1-1 was called.
Prosecutors said Smith fled as the victim was rushed to a hospital.
Smith was located quickly, thanks to a tip from another Good Samaritan, and was taken into custody.
“The victim was left unconscious and bleeding, and he had to be hospitalized after this assault,” said Prosecutor Karen McDonald, in a statement. “When we first brought charges, I said this was a vicious, senseless attack and clearly the jury agreed after looking at the evidence. Their verdict will hopefully provide the victim a measure of justice.”
For his part, Edwards has been hailed a hero.
“As evidenced by the significant injuries inflicted on the victim, it is clear that Mr. Braylon Edwards’ intervention played a pivotal role in saving the victim’s life,” said Farmington Hills Police Chief Jeff King. “This is a horrific incident, but the selfless efforts made by Mr. Edwards embody the best in our society.”
Sentencing for Smith is scheduled May 20.