MUSKEGON COUNTY, Mich. —
The man who allegedly stabbed the president of a Muskegon-area business has been charged with assault with intent to commit murder and fourth-degree fleeing/eluding a police officer.
Nathan Mahoney, a 32-year-old man from Walker, faced a judge today for the first time in Muskegon County. He could spend life behind bars if convicted.
The alleged assault happened at Anderson Express, an automotive supply manufacturer located at 3011B South Mill Iron Road in Muskegon, Tuesday around 9:20 a.m., investigators say.
Mahoney was in a meeting with around 8-10 other people.
During the meeting, officials say Mahoney ‘suddenly’ got up and left the room for around 10 minutes.
When he returned, he approached Anderson Express president Erik Denslow and stabbed him in the side, officials say.
He then fled from Anderson Express in his vehicle, where he was ultimately apprehended by the Muskegon County Sheriff’s Office in Sullivan Township, the Muskegon County Prosecutor’s Office says.
Denslow underwent surgery on Tuesday and was last listed in serious but stable condition, officials say.
Although employees told Fruitport Township Police Department that "he was acting a little odd" before the Tuesday meeting, but Deputy Chief Gregory Poulson said, “there were no reports from any of the employees of anything unusual, other than he had a quiet disposition.”
The Muskegon County Prosecutor's Office tells 13 ON YOUR SIDE Mahoney had been employed at Anderson Express since Dec. 4. Deputy Chief Poulson believes they were preparing him to take over for the CFO of the company, which is the financial officer in the accounting department.
Although no motive has been established at this time, the Prosecutor’s Office says the actions speak for themselves.
“This, by all accounts, appeared to be just a violent, unpremeditated attack on the victim,” said Matt Roberts, Chief Trial Attorney at the Muskegon County Prosecutor’s Office. “In this case, it's too early at this point, it would be inappropriate for us to speculate about any motive contained here, but obviously, the actions sort of speak for themselves and what the intent really was here, and that is the basis for the charge.”
In court, Mahoney’s attorney asked the judge for a ‘reasonably low’ bond and cited his lack of criminal history. Roberts said that should not be on the table since this was ‘a violent, vicious, unprovoked attack on the victim.’ He asked that the bond be set to at least $500,000.
The judge granted Mahoney a $500,000 cash/surety bond, which means he only needs to post 10% which is $50,000.
This amount has law enforcement, and employees, worried.
“I know that there is concern at Anderson Express regarding the bond that was set,” Poulson said. “It is not the bond that we would have recommended, but it was the bond that was set by the judge.”
Mahoney will be back in court later this month.
Mary Ann Sabo, spokesperson with Anderson Express, released a statement about the incident on Wednesday:
"We remain in shock over the incident that happened at our plant yesterday. Our first thought is with our president, who has a good prognosis for a full and speedy recovery. We are also focused on supporting our employees as they process this senseless assault. We appreciate the swift actions of local law enforcement and will continue to cooperate with their investigation, which is ongoing at this time."