Thursday, June 4, 2020

Sumpter police arrest suspect in tire-iron assault

Norman Johnson
A Willis man is facing several felony charges in connection with an assault on a Sumpter Township victim in his home last month.
According to police reports, Norman Johnson, 31, of Willis, was arraigned on a four-count felony warrant stemming from an incident at a residence in the 23000 block of Elwell Road on Saturday, May 16. He is charged with assault with intent to murder; home invasion, first degree; assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder and assault with a dangerous weapon.

Prosecutors allege that Johnson forced entry into the residence occupied by the 26-year-old male victim, an acquaintance of his. Johnson then proceeded to attack the victim, striking him  about the head and torso with a tire iron causing severe injuries, according to police reports.
The victim exited the residence with Johnson in pursuit, continuing the attack in the yard before the victim was eventually able to break free and flee on foot, police said.
The victim returned to the residence to call 911 after Johnson fled the scene in a silver Ford Explorer.
Sumpter Township Police Sgt. Joseph Balowski responded to the scene and observed the suspect vehicle westbound on Willow Road near Rawsonville and made a traffic stop as it crossed  into Washtenaw County. Johnson was taken into custody at the traffic stop without incident but denied any knowledge of the incident or even being on Elwell, according to police reports.
The incident, however, was caught on the victim's home security camera system, police said.
Johnson remains in police custody in lieu of a $50,000 bond set by the court at his arraignment.