Police are investigating the death of a man believed to be a recently retired school custodian.
Neighbors say police gathered outside 77-year-old Harvey Baldwin’s house Friday night. They later learned Baldwin had been found dead inside.
“He was just, he was fantastic. He always looked out for everybody else, always drove slowly down the block because he knew kids were playing down the street,” said Lacy Seib, who lives near Baldwin’s house.
The man's body was found when police responded to an assault at the home in Blue Springs.
Police officers arrived at 1412 SW 23rd just before 8:30 p.m. Friday. The victim of the assault told police he had been assaulted by his nephew who left before officers arrived.
The suspect, who is related to both victims, took Baldwin’s truck. A Jackson County Sheriff's Deputy spotted the truck and chased it to I-435 and Truman Road in Kansas City, Missouri.
That’s where the 21-year-old driver of the truck was taken into custody.
Neighbors knew something terrible had happened when the street was blocked off and several police cars showed up, “And then we saw the caution tape and knew it was something more than just a disturbance,” said Paul Seib who lives in the neighborhood.
Those that live nearby were still in shock this morning. "He was a wonderful man,” said Lacy.
Neighbors say Blue Springs police had been to the house a few times before, “Just disputes, disturbances in the household,” said Paul.
But even so, they never expected anything like this. "It's heartbreaking to know it's, one, so close to home and, two, such a great guy,” said Lacy.
Several friends and family members posted their condolences on Facebook, saying "rest in peace Uncle Harvey" and "prayers for the family."
