Detroit man assaults 81-year-old German visitor in unprovoked attack
- Lawrence Deonte Gilchrist, 30, has been charged with assaulting Dieter Kirsch, an 81-year-old man visiting from Germany.
- The assault occurred on Saturday morning in the 1000 block of Woodward Ave., resulting in Kirsch sustaining a head injury.
- Prosecutor Kym Worthy condemned the attack, emphasizing the impact on the victim and the community's efforts to be welcoming.
On a Saturday morning at 10:14 a.m., a 30-year-old man named Lawrence Deonte Gilchrist allegedly assaulted an 81-year-old visitor from Bremen, Germany, named Dieter Kirsch. The incident occurred in the 1000 block of Woodward Ave., where police responded to reports of the assault. Upon arrival, officers found Kirsch on the ground with a head injury, prompting immediate medical attention and transport to a local hospital. Gilchrist has been charged with assault with intent to do great bodily harm and aggravated assault, as stated by the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office. The attack was described as unprovoked, with Gilchrist reportedly approaching Kirsch and striking him, leading to the elderly man's fall and subsequent injury. Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy expressed deep concern over the incident, highlighting the efforts made to create a welcoming environment in Detroit. She emphasized the emotional toll on the victim, who is now suffering due to the actions of the defendant. The prosecutor's remarks reflect a broader commitment to community safety and the protection of vulnerable individuals. Gilchrist is scheduled for arraignment at 10:30 a.m. on the following Tuesday. This case raises significant questions about public safety and the treatment of visitors in urban areas, as well as the need for continued vigilance against random acts of violence.