12/09/2025
Press Release:
Assault with a Deadly Weapon Investigation and Arrest
Murrieta, CA – On September 11, 2025, at 11:08 a.m., a 911 call was received by the Murrieta Police Department Communications Center regarding an assault with a deadly weapon. Officers from the Murrieta Police Department and paramedics from Murrieta Fire & Rescue responded to the Madison Park Condominiums at 24909 Madison Avenue, where they met an adult male with non-life-threatening laceration wounds to the face and hand.
The victim reported an altercation with his neighbor, Michael Keen, who lives directly across from him. During the altercation, Keen allegedly swung a sword at his neighbor, striking him across the face and hand. Following the assault, the victim fled to a nearby residence to seek help, and the police were notified. The suspect remained inside his home and barricaded the doors and windows. When first responders arrived, they provided medical aid to the victim who was transported by ambulance to a local hospital. The police created a perimeter and attempted to de-escalate the situation by communicating with the suspect using amplified communication.
Due to the totality of the circumstances, the Southwest Cities SWAT Team was called to the scene to take over negotiations. After hours of attempted negotiations, the Southwest Cities SWAT Team devised a plan and made entry into the suspect’s apartment. Once inside, the suspect was taken into custody for numerous felony charges, including assault with a deadly weapon and mayhem. No injuries to the suspect or officers were reported.
Detectives from the Murrieta Police Department obtained a search warrant for the suspect’s apartment, and a sword was recovered as evidence. Michael Keen, a 51-year-old resident of Murrieta, was arrested for Penal Code Section 245(a)(1), Assault with a Deadly Weapon, and was booked at the Cois Byrd Detention Center.
The victim required sutures for his injuries and was released from the hospital the same day.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact Detective Nate Campbell at (951) 461-2677 or by email at [email protected].
MEDIA CONTACT:
Lieutenant Steve Whiddon
2 Town Square, Murrieta, CA 92562
(951) 461-6323 | [email protected]