GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — A man was charged with attempted murder after allegedly breaking into a Grand Rapids home and attacking a child with a utility knife — apparently at random.

Denny McNees, 21, was arraigned Friday on charges of assault with intent to commit murder and first-degree home invasion.

The incident happened around 3 a.m. Thursday at the Walnut Grove Apartments on Sheffield Street SW near Hayden Street in the Black Hills neighborhood. A letter from management to residents said the suspect checked units for unlocked doors or windows to get in.

The Grand Rapids Police Department says an 11-year-old was attacked, suffering wounds to his face. He was hospitalized with injuries that are not considered life-threatening.

“Fortunately, with the freshly fallen snow, between tracks and the K-9 track, we were able to follow the suspect. It took a good half hour or so,” GRPD Sgt. Dan Adams told News 8 Friday. “He was located roughly in the 700 block of W. Fulton Street.”

That’s about two miles away, near Seward Avenue.

“It appears to be random. There’s no threat to the community,” Adams said. ”It’s an unusual incident and unfortunately one of those things that remind us that even when we’re home, especially at night, it’s a good idea to keep the doors and windows locked — not to say the family did anything to ask for this to happen or did anything wrong.”

McNees is from Holland, but has lived in Grand Rapids for about six years and is homeless. His bond was set at $500,000. He’s expected back in court on Feb. 18 for a hearing.

—News 8’s Barton Deiters contributed to this report.