Farmington Hills, Michigan – A former NFL player, Braylon Edwards, was lauded by a Detroit-area police chief for his heroic actions in saving the life of an 80-year-old man who was allegedly attacked in a YMCA locker room.
The incident took place on a Friday morning in Farmington Hills, Michigan. Edwards, a 41-year-old former wide receiver, intervened in the altercation, which led to the arrest of a 20-year-old man identified as Malik Ali Smith. Smith was charged with assault with intent to murder on Monday.
According to Edwards, the altercation began as an argument over loud music in the locker room. The situation quickly escalated into violence, prompting Edwards to take action when he heard the sound of a physical altercation.
After witnessing the alleged assailant attempting to harm the victim, Edwards stepped in to subdue the attacker. His timely intervention was crucial in preventing further harm to the victim, who was reported to be in critical but stable condition at a local hospital.
Farmington Hills Police Chief Jeff King commended Edwards for his bravery, stating that his intervention played a vital role in saving the victim’s life. King described the incident as horrific but praised Edwards for embodying the selfless spirit of a Good Samaritan.
The suspect, Smith, was arraigned over the weekend and remained in custody with bond set at $250,000. The prosecuting attorney’s office indicated that Smith could face up to life in prison if convicted of the felony charge of assault with intent to murder.
Despite the harrowing experience, Edwards remained humble about his actions, stating that he simply did what was right. The former NFL player, known for his successful career with teams like the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets, continues to reside in West Bloomfield Township, where he retired after a fruitful career in professional football.
In the midst of the praises and attention, Edwards took to social media to downplay his heroic actions, emphasizing that he was just doing what any good person would do in a similar situation. His actions serve as a reminder of the courage and compassion that individuals can demonstrate in the face of adversity.