Man facing attempted murder charge

ESCANABA — An out of state man is facing an attempted murder charge after an assault incident that took place early Saturday morning in Escanaba.

Officers from Escanaba Public Safety say information gathered from witnesses of the incident led to the arrest of a 19-year-old Kansas man and a 19-year-old Escanaba woman. The man is lodged at the Delta County Jail on a requested charge of attempted murder, while the woman is lodged on a charge of felonious assault.

According to Public Safety officials, three people were walking near the 1200 block of 1st Avenue South around 2:15 a.m. when they heard a man yelling for help. They went to assist and found the 31-year-old male victim covered in blood. One of the witnesses immediately called 911 to report the incident.

Public Safety Officers rendered first aid upon arrival due to the severity of the victim’s injuries. He was transported to OSF St. Francis Hospital and then flown to UP Health System – Marquette by Valley Med Flight. He was treated and released on Sunday for head trauma, laceration to his face, and a fractured cheekbone. Police say the injuries were reportedly the result of the male suspect using the rounded end of a hatchet he was carrying to strike the victim multiple times.

The investigation continues, and the Delta County Prosecutor’s Office is reviewing to case to consider if additional charges are warranted. Escanaba Public Safety voiced its commendation of the actions of the three initial witnesses who responded to the victim’s cries for help.

Public Safety was assisted by the Delta County Sheriff’s Department, Michigan State Police Gladstone Post, Rampart EMS, and Valley Med Flight.