Unfounded claim of killing woman with baseball bat
IMLAY CITY — There were a few tense moments in Imlay City Monday afternoon after Lapeer County Central Dispatch received a call of a possible murder in town.
Police Chief Brett Selby said a man stated to Dispatch that he had just killed his girlfriend with a baseball bat.
Imlay City police officers responded to the 911 call after a report from a relative of an individual living in a home in the 300 block of East First Street in Imlay City.
“The female caller was told by the suspect that “he just killed his girlfriend with a baseball bat” and he was about to take his own life,” Chief Selby reported.
Armando Rafael Isac
“Upon arrival, our officers made entry into the home as a welfare check to prevent further harm and to render aid. A quick assessment of the scene indicated that there was no other person at the home other than the suspect the family member had called on,” he added.
In a statement from the police department, the Chief said a phone call to the suspect’s girlfriend confirmed that she was unharmed and at work.
Police say the homeowner’s girlfriend stated they are no longer involved with each other, but still live together. The woman told police she has been trying to move out and move on.
Chief Selby said responding officers initially encountered resistance from the 47-year-old Imlay City man who lives at the home.
The man refused to cooperate with officer’s verbal commands and his girlfriend’s condition.
Imlay City officers have responded to the home multiple times in the past for various domestic issues and have counseled the female on alternatives to staying together in the relationship, according to Chief Selby.
The two Imlay City officers received minor injuries in responding/handling the 911 call but refused medical attention. The Chief described the injuries as minor that required no treatment.
The 47-year-old Imlay City man was arrested for making a false police report and resisting and obstructing officers.
Police continue to investigate the incident and are working with the Lapeer County Prosecutor’s Office to see what, if any, charges will be filed.
As a reminder to residents, Chief Selby said according to statistics, domestic abuse increases over the holidays for several reasons including stress from holiday shopping and finances which can aggravate volatile personalities.
Abusers are more likely to partake of alcohol or drugs when they do not have to work, according to police.
They also say it can be a simple opportunity such as the abusers are more likely to be home alone with their victims than at any other time of the year.
The Imlay City Police Department would like to let our residents know that they if they are in a domestic abuse situation, we may be able to provide immediate assistance and guidance 810-724-2345. Residents of Lapeer County can contact LACADA’s (Lapeer Citizens Against Domestic Assault) at 810-667-4175. LACADA provides safe shelter for domestic violence and sexual assault survivors and their children. The shelter operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The shelter consists of 5 bedrooms with 19 beds, and multiple communal areas such as the living room, kitchen, and dining room. There is a children’s play area in the shelter and there is also a secure play area for children outside. Upon entering the shelter, residents are provided with immediate needs such as food, personal care products and clothing.
Kevin Kissane has been covering high school sports for the Tri-City Times since 1985. When not standing on a field or court with his camera and notepad, he enjoys golf, travel and family. Kevin is a 1980 graduate of Capac High School, and is also a grad of St. Clair Community College and earned a degree in journalism from Central Michigan University.
