PLAINFIELD TOWNSHIP, MI – In the early hours of Saturday morning, a homeowner in Plainfield Township held an intruder at gunpoint after the man allegedly stabbed an 11-year-old girl multiple times.
Deputies from the Kent County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call around 3 a.m. from a home on Ella Terrace Court NE near Jericho Avenue NE. The caller reported an unknown man inside their home.
According to Undersheriff Bryan Muir, a 24-year-old man from Plainfield Township is believed to have entered the home and gone upstairs, where he found two girls sleeping. The intruder then allegedly stabbed the visiting 11-year-old girl multiple times. Her friend’s father confronted the attacker and held him at gunpoint until deputies arrived and arrested him.
The injured girl was taken to the hospital for treatment and is reported to be in stable condition. The homeowner’s daughter, who is around the same age, was not harmed.
“Right now, we believe this is a completely random act and there’s no connection to the residence or the family whatsoever,” said Muir. “That’s obviously one of those case facts that’s concerning to us.”
Muir advises residents to ensure their doors are locked, remain aware of their surroundings, and watch out for their neighbors.
While holding suspects for police can be risky, especially if the intruder is still armed, the homeowner’s actions potentially prevented further harm. In this case, had the intruder tried to flee, the homeowner might have been justified in shooting to prevent imminent danger to others in the community.
Authorities continue to investigate the incident. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Kent County Sheriff’s Office.
