Suspect At the Center of Braylon Edwards' Heroic Scene Charged

Justice is on the way for a YMCA assailant who attacked an 80-year-old man, only to be thwarted by former NFL wide receiver Braylon Edwards, stepping in to save the elderly man.

Authorities arrested 20-year-old Malik Ali Smith on Friday at the YMCA in Farmington Hills. Smith has since been charged, according to The Detroit Press. 

The assailant faces one charge of assault with intent to murder, which could entail life in prison.

Braylon Edwards, a former All-Pro NFL wideout and Michigan alum, received praise for intervening during the morning trip to the gym on Friday.

MIAMI - OCTOBER 12:  Wide receiver Braylon Edwards #17 of the New York Jets goes through warm-ups on the field before taking on the Miami Dolphins at Land Shark Stadium on October 12, 2009 in Miami, Florida. The Dolphins defeated the Jets 31-27.  (Photo by Doug Benc/Getty Images)

Edwards said he heard the start of a tiff between two men in the locker rooms at the YMCA at 28100 Farmington Road. He minded his business until a loud thud drew Edwards to the fight scene between the younger Malik Ali Smith and the elderly man.

An injury report noted that the older individual suffered severe facial injuries and was hit unconscious at the scene. He later released a statement, thanking Edwards for intervening and saving his life. Many involved in the aftermath of the fight agreed that Edwards' actions saved the 80-year-old. Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald commended the retired NFLer.

"This was a vicious, senseless attack," McDonald said. "I commend the witness who intervened, and we will seek justice for this victim."

"I’d like to thank the good Samaritan for taking action to stop the suspect in the midst of a vicious assault," the man shared after the locker-room fight. "I’d also like to thank the vigilant citizen for calling 911 when they observed the suspect attempting to conceal himself from police.

"These actions demonstrate the pride citizens have in the safety of our community and the strong relationship our department enjoys with our community members. Our officers and dispatchers acted swiftly and with outstanding professionalism to ensure appropriate aid to the victims and the eventual peaceful surrender of the suspect."

Malik Ali Smith's attorney, Christopher Quinn II, delivered a statement on his client. "It's being reported that my client is a violent person and that's simply not the case," Quinn said. "He is a young man and he has a history of mental health issues."

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