45-year-old Springfield resident Paul Bagge, punched in head during dispute over dog, has died at Baystate Medical Center

Police said the charge against the suspect, 52-year-old Guy Wilson, will be upgraded to murder.

Guy Wilson

SPRINGFIELD – A man who attempted to intervene in a dispute over a found dog Tuesday night - and was then punched in the head - has died, according to a Baystate Medical Center spokesman.

Paul Bagge, 45, of Roosevelt Avenue, suffered a head injury when he fell and had been listed in critical condition.

Sgt. John M. Delaney, aide to Police Commissioner William J. Fitchet, said that the charge against suspect Guy Wilson, 52, of 168 East St., will be upgraded to murder.

The incident started shortly before 6 p.m. when a female went to 168 East St. to pick up a beagle that had been advertised as found, Delaney said.

The female retrieved the dog and brought it out to her car which had been parked in front of the house, Delaney said. She was about to drive away when the suspect, who lives at that address, accused her of being from the MSPCA, reached into her car and attempted to remove her keys from the ignition.

Delaney said that Bagge came over in an attempt to reason with Wilson and tapped him on the shoulder. Wilson then turned and punched Bagge in the head, causing the victim to fall, he said.

Police found Wilson inside his home and charged him with assault and battery - causing serious bodily harm.

Bagge's death marks the city's 12th homicide this year.