Police investigate kidnapping and assault of elderly campaign volunteer in Pontiac

PONTIAC, Mich. (WXYZ) - An elderly volunteer was attacked as he left the Democratic campaign offices in Pontiac Saturday afternoon.

The Oakland County Sheriff Department says as an 88-year-old man got into his car around 1:30 p.m., a suspect forced his way into the passenger side.

The attacker, who is believed to be in his 40’s, flashed a knife and demanded money.

After the victim gave him $76 in cash, the suspect forced the man to drive him to Detroit.

While driving southbound on Woodward, the victim saw a Detroit Police patrol car across the median and tried to swerve to get an officer’s attention. The suspect then grabbed the wheel and cut the victim’s hand.

The attacker jumped out of the vehicle at 7 Mile and Woodward.

Michigan Democratic Party Chair Mark Brewer issued the following statement about the situation:

“Neither the Michigan Democratic Party nor OFA-Michigan have been contacted by investigators, and we would refer all questions on this matter to the Oakland County Sheriff’s office. We take the safety and security of all of our grassroots volunteers – who put in countless hours and without whom this campaign cannot function – very seriously, and we will do everything we can to help investigators get to the bottom of this. For now, our thoughts are with the victim of this senseless and cruel act of violence.”