BY ALEX PIAZZA
apiazza@record-eagle.com
TRAVERSE CITY — A Traverse City teen admitted he attacked a homeless man without provocation behind a local fast food restaurant.
Dominick Jovon Ndambuki, 19, pleaded guilty last week to aggravated assault. The misdemeanor charge carries a maximum punishment of one year in jail and/or $1,000. His sentencing is set for Sept. 14.
Ndambuki's alleged accomplice — Jekiraus Lajuan Chandler, 18, of Traverse City — is expected to stand trial Sept. 30 on an aggravated assault charge.
"My client is still looking and considering his options," said Clarence Gomery, Chandler's attorney.
Ndambuki and Chandler punched and kicked a homeless man as the latter searched for cans May 31 in an alley near the Burger King restaurant on Front Street, police said.
The homeless man, who was 59 at the time, fell to the ground outside the fast food chain, and police said he tried to protect himself as the teens beat him. The teens fled, and the homeless man walked to Munson Medical Center to receive treatment for facial injuries and lacerations.
"We certainly handle harassment complaints involving the homeless, but when it escalates to the point of assault, it's very rare," said city police Capt. Brian Heffner.
The hospital referred the homeless man to an oral surgeon to treat his fractured jaw — an injury sustained during the attack. A tipster contacted the Leelanau County Sheriff's Department with information on the suspects, and they forwarded it on to Traverse City police who arrested the teens.
Ryan Hannon, street outreach services coordinator for Goodwill Industries of Northern Michigan, tracked down the homeless man after hearing of the attack, but wouldn't comment on what assistance he provided. Hannon reaches out to homeless people and encourages them to take advantage of local services like shelters.
The attack had a profound effect on many area homeless people, Hannon said.
"There was a few that were spooked," he said. "They were afraid because it was so random. It came out of nowhere. The younger crowd were upset and angry."
The incident shocked Hannon, who said locals often are courteous to homeless people. A handful of volunteers also contacted Hannon after hearing of the attack in hopes they could provide assistance.
