In what authorities are calling a possible “copycat” attack similar to the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO, Brian Thompson, a Michigan man has found himself behind bars after being accused of stabbing the president of the company he worked for during a staff meeting.
The incident unfolded last week at manufacturing company, Anderson Express Inc. The company’s president, Erik Denslow, was reportedly leading a staff meeting when 32-year-old Nathan Mahoney allegedly carried out the attack. According to the Fruitport Township Police Department, Mahoney abruptly left the meeting around 9:20 a.m. but returned 10 minutes later, approaching Denslow and stabbing him before making an escape in his vehicle.
However, authorities stopped Mahoney 15 minutes later and arrested him on-site. Reports state that Mahoney was only employed at Anderson Express Inc. for a few short weeks. His coworkers described him as quiet as investigators continue to work to find the motive that made Mahoney snap.
“We haven’t ruled out a copycat motive in regards to this,” Deputy Chief Greg Poulson said. “We’re going through all his social accounts, all his electronic media, and trying to determine a motive for this act.”
As far as Denslow, the president underwent surgery following the attack and is in serious but stable condition. Mahoney is currently facing charges of assault with intent to murder and fleeing from the police.
“Our first thought is with our president, who has a good prognosis for a full and speedy recovery,” the company said in a statement. “We are also focused on supporting our employees as they process this senseless assault.”
