HAZEL PARK, Mich. — A local resident faces felony charges after allegedly assaulting a visitor with a hatchet in a disturbing confrontation at his home. Robert Narducci, 51, was arraigned Jan. 30 in the Hazel Park 43rd District Court on charges of assault with intent to cause great bodily harm, a serious felony that could lead to a prison sentence of up to 10 years.
The incident took place in the early hours of Jan. 29 when a 31-year-old man from Royal Oak entered Narducci’s residence on East Nine Mile Road with a friend around 2 a.m. According to police, the victim had come to the home to retrieve an acquaintance who resided there.
Hazel Park Police Chief William Hamel reported that Narducci lives with three other adults at the residence. Tensions reportedly boiled over when Narducci confronted the visitor about a prior disagreement involving a family member. During this escalation, Narducci allegedly grabbed a hatchet displayed on a dining room wall and aimed it at the victim.
The assault resulted in the victim sustaining injuries while attempting to protect himself. He suffered a severe cut to his hand as he deflected the hatchet swing aimed at his head. Despite the injury, the victim managed to flee the house while Narducci pursued him, allegedly striking him in the face with the blunt end of the weapon.
Following the altercation, the victim sought medical attention and was taken to a local hospital, where emergency staff alerted the Hazel Park Police Department about his significant injuries to both his hand and mouth.
In response, police executed a search warrant at Narducci’s home that same morning, collecting the suspected weapon and additional evidence. The information gathered was subsequently submitted to the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office, which initiated criminal charges against him.
As of now, Narducci remains in custody while waiting for a court-appointed attorney, according to court filings. The attack has raised concerns about safety in the community, prompting local authorities to remind residents of the importance of conflict resolution and the consequences of violent actions.