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Armed man attacks Mich. firefighter inside firehouse

A Grand Rapids Township lieutenant is hospitalized after being attacked by an armed man while alone inside the firehouse

By Bradley Massman
mlive.com

GRAND RAPIDS TOWNSHIP, Mich. — A 40-year-old man was arrested for an assault that left a fire lieutenant with multiple injuries, Kent County sheriff’s deputies said.

After the attack, the injured Grand Rapids Township fire lieutenant was taken to an area hospital for treatment, police said.

The incident unfolded around 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23, at the Grand Rapids Township Fire Department, at 1836 E. Beltline Avenue. Deputies were called for assistance with a 40-year-old Cedar Springs man who was suicidal.

While en route, the fire lieutenant requested an emergency response from deputies.

Police say the lieutenant was working alone at the fire station and let the Cedar Springs man into the garage because he thought the man was there to work on the concrete.

Deputies said the man was suicidal, had taken illicit drugs, and was in possession of a firearm when he started physically assaulting the lieutenant. The attack was still in progress when police arrived.

Deputies arrested the man and lodged him in the Kent County Jail.


Departments must remain vigilant and proactive in addressing the potential for violence on scene

It’s unclear the extent of injuries the lieutenant suffered in the assault.

“KCSO prays for the lieutenant’s recovery,” the sheriff’s office said in a release.

The case will be forwarded to the Kent County Prosecutor’s Office for review.

If you or someone you know is seeking support for mental health issues, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline can be reached by dialing 988 or 1-800-273-8255. A free, 24/7 and confidential crisis text line with trained listeners is also available by texting HELLO to 741741.

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