In Farmington Hills, Michigan, a man faces charges of attempted murder following a locker room altercation at a local YMCA, which was interrupted by former NFL athlete Braylon Edwards.
Edwards shared that he was simply going about his business on Friday when he overheard a dispute over loud music erupting at the recreation center in Farmington Hills.
“As the commotion intensified, I noticed some physical altercation ensuing, indicative of a fight,” Edwards recounted to WDIV-TV. “However, upon hearing a distinct thud, I promptly turned to investigate.”
Edwards intervened to cease the assault on an elderly man, aged 80, who sustained a head injury. The assailant, a 20-year-old individual, fled the scene on foot but was later apprehended by law enforcement.
According to court records, Edwards is identified as the primary witness in the legal proceedings.
“This was an appalling, unprovoked attack,” remarked Oakland County prosecutor Karen McDonald on Monday. “I extend my gratitude to the individual who intervened, and we are committed to securing justice for the victim.”
While Farmington Hills Police Chief Jeff King did not explicitly name Edwards, he praised the actions of a “good Samaritan” who halted the “brutal assault.”
The alleged perpetrator appeared in court on Saturday and remains detained with a bond set at $250,000.
“In such moments, you act on instinct,” Edwards reflected on his decision to intervene.
Edwards, renowned for his tenure as a standout receiver at Michigan, entered the NFL as a first-round draft pick for the Cleveland Browns in 2005. Over the course of eight seasons in the league, he primarily represented the Cleveland Browns and the New York Jets.
