UPDATE: Suspect in Assault, Robbery of Ferndale Man Arrested

The man wanted in the beating and robbery of a 44-year-old Ferndale resident this week was arrested today.

"Detroit Police Officers spotted the truck in Detroit and then found and arrested (the suspect)," Ferndale Police Lt. Detective William Wilson said. "The exact details of the arrest are not yet available. Detroit Police Department will transfer him to Ferndale Police Department who will then present the case to the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office for determination on charges."

The 44-year-old victim met the suspect – 38-year-old Alesandro Signorelli – on Oct. 29 at Adam's Apple, a gay bar in Detroit, police said. The men went back to the Ferndale man's home on Farmdale and Signorelli stayed over night, leaving the next day, Ferndale Police Lt. Detective William Wilson said.

Monday, Signorelli returned to the Farmdale home in the early morning and the resident let him stay at his home again, Wilson said. Later that morning, as the Ferndale man readied for work, Signorelli reportedly punched the resident in the face, police said.

"A fight followed where the suspect repeatedly punched the victim in the face," Wilson said. "During the fight, Signorelli grabbed a shower curtain and wrapped it around the victim's head causing him to have difficulty breathing."

Wilson said the victim agreed to give the suspect prescription drugs and cash.

"The suspect grabbed a kitchen knife and used it to threaten the victim," Wilson said. "The victim gave Signorelli drugs and money and Signorelli had the victim begin to gather items – including a television – for Signorelli to take."

Wilson said the victim eventually found an opportunity to escape, running from the house to a neighbor's for help. The neighbor phoned the police. Police responded to the scene at 7:45 a.m. and found the resident severely beaten, Wilson said.

Signorelli reportedly fled the area in a red 2000 Ford F-150 pickup with Michigan plate XFL68, Wilson said.

The victim was treated for cuts and bruises at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak and released, Wilson said.

"...Signorelli as he has an extensive criminal history that includes violent criminal acts," Wilson said.

According to Michigan's Offender Tracking Information System, Signorelli was sentenced in 1997 to two-six years for assault with intent to do great bodily harm (less than murder) in Marquette County. He was also sentenced to eight-20 years for armed robbery in Wayne County in 2002.