Man critically injured in alleged assault incident

A Walled Lake man was attacked with a mallet on Tuesday, Aug. 9 in the 1400 block of Oakshade.

Police have the suspect in custody. He is being charged with assault with intent to do bodily harm less than murder.

According to the suspect’s statement, the victim arrived at his residence to sell drugs. The two, who had been acquaintances for a decade, sat around drinking beer and then fell asleep watching television.

In the morning the victim demanded the suspect pay him $500 and allegedly tried to stab him with a screwdriver, but the suspect stated he knocked the weapon aside. The suspect said he then picked up a mallet and struck the victim in the face. The fight continued to escalate and the suspect repeatedly pummeled the victim’s face with the mallet until he lost consciousness.

Police found blood on the recliner where the victim sat, as well as blood splatters on the wall and comforter.

Evidence of crack cocaine use, including a broken crack pipe, was also found at the scene. However, police saw no signs of a struggle.

The victim was conveyed to Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital where he was listed in critical condition after sustaining multiple injuries. He has been released from Detroit Receiving Hospital, where he had to undergo emergency surgery.