Man in critical condition after Belt Highway assault

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- A 77-year-old man is in critical condition after he was physically assaulted on the Belt Highway Monday morning.

According to the St. Joseph Police Department, at approximately 6 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 2, officers responded to the area of 3800 North Belt Highway for a physical assault report.

The 77-year-old man was walking in the area when he was assaulted and was transported to Mosaic Life Care with serious injuries and remains in critical condition.

The suspect, identified as 50-year-old James Shepard, was taken into custody at the scene and faces a first-degree assault of a special victim charge

SJPD said there is no danger to the public; the investigation is still ongoing and additional information will be released when appropriate.

Shepard is scheduled to have his initial court hearing on Wednesday, Nov. 4.