Prosecutors in Detroit declared on Wednesday that a local man has been charged with various offenses, including assault with intent to murder, after allegedly attempting to set two former co-workers on fire. The incident occurred after the man was terminated from his job at a printing equipment company due to leaving threats for two female colleagues. The man reportedly encountered the two women inside a vehicle on Monday and proceeded to pour gasoline on the car before setting it ablaze. The victims sustained serious burns and were in critical condition as of Tuesday.
Following the attack, a bystander pursued and detained the suspect until law enforcement arrived at the scene. During a court appearance, the man expressed his intention to only communicate with Fox News and another unidentified individual. He refused legal representation and was consequently placed in custody at the Wayne County Jail. The man exited the hearing using profanity, as per the Detroit Free Press.
Jessica Cheaib, a defense attorney who was present during the arraignment, declined to comment since she had not been chosen as legal representation by the accused. The assistant prosecutor revealed that the man has a prior probation for an assault involving a butcher knife and a bike chain. Due to the absence of legal counsel for the suspect, his name has not been disclosed by The Associated Press.