A quiet Tuesday outside the Traverse Area District Library in Traverse City turned ugly when a road-rage confrontation ended with a 74-year-old man being struck with an ax after he sat through a red light instead of turning right, police say. The attack unfolded just before 2 p.m. at the intersection of Woodmere and Hannah. The victim later drove himself to Munson Medical Center with a left upper-arm wound described as non-life-threatening. The suspect, a 70-year-old Traverse City man, was arrested at his home and faces a charge of assault to do great bodily harm.
Traffic Spat Boils Over, Police Say
Officials told local reporters that the trouble started when the 74-year-old driver stayed put at a red light rather than turning right. After the signal changed, he pulled into the library, and the other driver followed him into the lot. The second man allegedly approached the victim with an ax and struck him in the left upper arm, according to UpNorthLive. Police said both men left the scene after the confrontation, and the victim later went to Munson Medical Center for treatment. His injuries were described as non-life-threatening in initial reports.
Arrest and Charges
The 70-year-old suspect was later taken into custody at his home and faces a charge of assault to do great bodily harm, according to ClickOnDetroit. Investigators have not released additional details about a motive, and prosecutors will decide whether to authorize formal charges.
What the Charge Carries
Under Michigan law, assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder is a felony that can carry up to 10 years in prison and fines, according to the Michigan Legislature. How this case moves forward will depend on medical findings and the evidence gathered by investigators.
Community Reaction
The ax attack, happening in broad daylight near a public library, has unsettled residents who use the busy area during the day. Local coverage by UpNorthLive and ClickOnDetroit has tracked the incident and the arrest as police continue their investigation.
