BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — Battle Creek police are investigating a Sunday morning stabbing death as a homicide.
At 5:28 p.m. the Battle Creek Police Department responded to a report of a stabbing in the 100 block of Cherry Street. They were told that a male suspect had left via the back door. Upon arriving at the scene, officers made contact with what was later determined to be the suspect, walking a block away from the incident.
The suspect was identified as Wendell Barton, 23.
Officers spoke with him and determined he had been involved in the stabbing. They attempted to detain Barton, who assaulted officers and fled on foot.
A perimeter was established. A short time later officers located Barton and took him into custody without further incident.
Meanwhile, additional officers and medical personnel provided medical attention to the stabbing victim -- later identified as Justin Ash, 38. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police confirmed that the weapon used was a knife, which was found at the scene.
Police said that Barton is the only suspect. He is being held in the Calhoun County Jail on charges of open murder and resisting police.
The incident remains under investigation by the Battle Creek Police Department.
