Woman killed, man and dog injured in 'random' knife attack and burglary in Washtenaw County

WASHTENAW COUNTY, Michigan. – A woman died and a man and a dog were injured in a “random” overnight break-in and attack Friday in Pittsfield Township.

Pittsfield Township Police officers responded to a reported home invasion on Breckland Drive shortly after midnight on September 13.

When officers arrived at the scene, they found an 82-year-old man and an 81-year-old woman with life-threatening injuries. Officers learned that the suspect, a 40-year-old Pittsfield Township man, ran from the scene and knocked on a neighbor's door. The suspect was arrested.

In an audio recording of the 911 call, neighbors described the suspect as “a black male, naked, armed with a short knife.”

The suspect was arrested.

The injured man and woman were taken to a local hospital. Police said life-saving surgical measures were performed, but the woman, later identified as Susan Hammerton, succumbed to her injuries. The man suffered multiple lacerations and is stable.

According to police, a dog suffered severe cuts in the incident and was taken to a local animal hospital for treatment.

Police say the victims and the suspect did not know each other. They believe the break-in and attack were preceded by an altercation between the suspect and members of his family at a home on Weatherstone Drive.

The suspect was lodged in the Washtenaw County Jail pending further investigation and a review by the District Attorney's Office.

Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to contact the Pittsfield Township Police Department at 734-822-4958.