Detroit Man Charged with Attempted Murder of Ex-Coworkers in Fiery Attack
A Detroit man faces multiple charges, including attempted murder, for allegedly setting fire to a car containing two former colleagues. The incident occurred after his termination for leaving threatening notes.
In a shocking incident in Detroit, a man has been charged with multiple offenses, including assault with intent to murder, following an alleged attack on his former co-workers. The case, which unfolded in Wayne County, Michigan's most populous county, highlights the ongoing issue of workplace violence in the United States.
Kym Worthy, Wayne County Prosecutor and the first African-American woman to hold this position, along with assistant prosecutor Lisa Coyle, announced the charges on September 11, 2024. The incident occurred two days prior, on September 9, when the suspect allegedly attempted to set two women on fire.
According to prosecutors, the man had been terminated from his position at a printing equipment company for leaving threatening notes for two female colleagues. The printing industry, which employs over 400,000 people in the U.S., has been rocked by this violent incident.
The attack took place when the suspect returned to his former workplace and found the two women sitting in a car. In a horrifying turn of events, he allegedly doused the vehicle with gasoline, a highly flammable substance, and set it ablaze. As of September 10, the victims were reported to be in serious condition, suffering from severe burns that could potentially lead to long-term physical and psychological effects.
A brave bystander intervened, chasing the suspect and detaining him until law enforcement arrived. This quick action potentially prevented further harm and aided in the suspect's apprehension.
During the court hearing on September 11, the suspect exhibited unusual behavior. He reportedly stated that he would only communicate with Fox News, a conservative news channel founded in 1996, and another unidentified individual. The man declined legal representation, despite the right to counsel being guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
The magistrate ordered the suspect to be held at Wayne County Jail, which typically houses around 1,700 inmates. As the suspect left the arraignment, the first step in criminal prosecution where charges are formally read, he reportedly uttered an expletive.
It was revealed that the man was already on probation for a previous assault charge. This prior incident involved allegations of holding a butcher knife, typically 6 to 14 inches in length, to a man's neck and attempting to strike him with a bike chain, usually made of steel or nickel-plated steel.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers in workplace environments and the importance of addressing threats promptly. As the legal process unfolds, the focus remains on the recovery of the victims and the pursuit of justice in this disturbing case.
