KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – The Kalamazoo Dept. of Public Safety is asking for the public’s help in locating a suspect in a November 5 assault and stabbing on a Catholic deacon.
Officers were summoned to the 900 block of Charlotte Ave at around 4:45 p.m. that day and found a 71-year-old Joseph Schmitt of Kalamazoo had been stabbed multiple times.
Schmitt said that the suspect stopped him and demanded his wallet, and when the Schmitt said he didn’t have one, the suspect threw him to the ground, searched him, and then stabbed him numerous times.
The attack took place at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, where Schmitt had planned on attending mass, although he had mixed up the schedule and there was no mass that day.
Schmitt is a deacon at St. Thomas More Student Parish in Kalamazoo.
Schmitt was taken to Ascension Borgess for treatment.
The suspect is said to be a black male, about 6’2”, 200 pounds, wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt, gray COVID mask, and a gray winter hat.
A composite sketch of the suspect was released by Public Safety.
Anyone having information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety at (269) 488-8911 or Silent Observer.
The Diocese of Kalamazoo sent a statement about Deacon Schmitt:
“We’re happy to share that Deacon Joe Schmitt is doing well. He’s been released from the hospital and working with rehabilitation services to work on improvement in strength and endurance. We’re grateful for all those who have prayed for Deacon Joe and his wife Becky and we continue to hold him in prayer for continued healing.”
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