Man dies after assault at halfway house

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - A man has died after being assaulted at a halfway house in Grand Rapids and the suspect is in custody.

The victim has been identified as 69-year-old Douglas Barry from Grand Rapids.

An ambulance crew was dispatched at 7:34 p.m. Sunday to a residence at 430 Adams Street SE.

That is where a male was unresponsive after "reportedly been injured during a fall," according to a news release from the Grand Rapids Police Department.

Then around 10:30 p.m., officers responded to the same residence to further investigate. Police determined an assault did occur at the home. Someone was then arrested in connection with the incident.

Barry was transported to a hospital where he passed away Monday morning, police confirmed to 24 Hour News 8.

William Allen, a resident at the home for ex-convicts, told 24 Hour News 8 Barry was visiting a friend and assaulted during an argument that involved drinking and possibly money.

Allen said Barry was a war veteran.

"It really messes me up because I have a lot of heart for women and older people because I was raised with a lot of respect, and to see an older guy who fought the war be treated like this, it's kind of sad," Allen said.

The 29-year-old suspect was jailed Monday on a parole violation. He was on parole after being convicted of sodomy with a dog.

The Grand Rapids Police Department Major Case Team is investigating and would like anybody with more details about this incident to call them at 616.456.3604 or Silent Observer at 616.774.2345.