KENT COUNTY, Mich. — The man accused of attacking a Grand Rapids Township fire lieutenant is set to undergo a competency exam.
Robert Daniel-Brent Joppe, a 40-year-old from Cedar Springs, was arraigned at the 63rd District Court on Nov. 25. He's facing multiple charges associated with the alleged assault of a Grand Rapids Township Fire Lieutenant.
The incident happened on Nov. 23 just before 4 p.m.
The Kent County Sheriff's Office said deputies were called by a lieutenant with the Grand Rapids Township Fire Department asking for help at their fire station located at 1836 East Beltline Avenue.
As deputies were driving to the fire station, the fire lieutenant requested an emergency response from them.
Investigators say the lieutenant was working alone at the fire station and let Joppe into the garage because he thought Joppe was there to work on the concrete.
Deputies said it was learned that Joppe was potentially suicidal, had consumed illicit drugs and had a firearm.
"Once they realized the subject probably wasn't in the building to do any service work, there was a conversation that occurred," said Kent County Undersheriff Bryan Muir. "From that conversation, he was able to get some information. The subject was depressed and potentially suicidal, and that's why he reached out to law enforcement at first to get the assistance the subject needed, and then the situation just escalated out of hand real quickly after that."
Court documents show during their conversation, the lieutenant then asked Joppe if he was armed. Joppe then pulled a pistol from his waist and threw it between two fire trucks, which the lieutenant then retrieved and maintained control of.
Joppe then reportedly grew agitated and lunged towards the lieutenant, who then told deputies a "back-and-forth altercation" ensued, where he believed Joppe was trying to take back the firearm.
The two spun towards the open overhead door, and the lieutenant then threw the pistol outside into the grass.
Speaking with deputies, the lieutenant described Joppe then shoving his thumb into his right eye, telling them he felt as if his "eye was being pushed into his brain cavity."
The lieutenant also described Joppe biting his arm at the same time.
The two then fell onto the floor, where the lieutenant held Joppe until law enforcement arrived.
Joppe is charged with resisting and opposing an officer causing serious injury, assault with intent to do great bodily harm, carrying a concealed weapon and resisting and opposing an officer.
If convicted on all charges, Joppe could face up to 32 years in prison and $19,500 in fines. A judge set his bond at $50,000 and he's expected back in court in December.
The lieutenant has since been released from the hospital and is recovering at home, according to Grand Rapids Township.
