Man Charged In Unprovoked Attack Of German Tourist In Downtown Detroit

DETROIT — A 30-year-old man is facing charges after attacking a German tourist in downtown Detroit, according to the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office.

Lawrence Deonte Gilchrist, of Detroit, hit an 81-year-old man at 10:14 a.m. Sunday morning without provocation on the 1000 block of Woodward Avenue near Campus Martius Park, according to police.

The force of the hit caused the elderly man to fall to the ground a hit his head, according to police.

The elderly man, who was visiting from his home in Bremen, Germany, was taken to a nearby hospital where he was treated for a head injury, according to police.

Gilchrist was charged with assault with intent to do great bodily harm and aggravated assault. He was scheduled to appear in court Tuesday.

If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison for the assault with intent to do great bodily harm charge.

"A lot of work has gone into making our city a welcoming beacon to all, only to have the alleged horrific actions of this defendant deeply tarnish these efforts," Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy said. "But much more importantly, 81-year-old Dieter Kirschmust pay the undeserved price of what the defendant decided to do. This is heartbreaking on so many levels."