A shocking incident unfolded in Muskegon, Michigan, where a man allegedly stabbed his company’s president during a meeting. The police believe this could possibly be a “copycat” crime, resembling another recent high-profile attack.
The victim, Erik Denslow, who leads Anderson Express Inc., was attacked during a staff meeting on Tuesday morning. According to the Fruitport Township Police, Denslow was stabbed by an employee, 32-year-old Nathan Mahoney, who had only been with the company for a few weeks.
The attack happened in the middle of a regular meeting around 9:20 a.m. Mahoney reportedly left the room briefly, only to return minutes later. He then approached Denslow and allegedly stabbed him in the side before fleeing in his vehicle. Police were quick to act and arrested Mahoney 15 minutes later.
Denslow was rushed to the hospital and underwent surgery. Thankfully, doctors say he is in serious but stable condition and are optimistic about his recovery.
The police are still trying to figure out why this happened. Deputy Chief Greg Poulson mentioned that they are not ruling out the possibility of a “copycat” motive, especially since this incident has similarities to the killing of Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, who was shot in New York City earlier this month.
Investigators are digging through Mahoney’s social media and electronic devices to uncover a possible motive. Fellow employees described him as a quiet individual, adding more mystery to his actions.
Denslow joined Anderson Express, a company that serves the automotive and defense industries, in January 2022 as vice president and general manager. Within a year, he was promoted to president. The company, still reeling from the attack, released a statement expressing their shock and concern for their leader, saying they are focused on his recovery and supporting their employees during this troubling time.
Mahoney now faces serious charges, including assault with intent to murder and fleeing from the police. He is being held in the Muskegon County Jail with a bond set at $501,000.
This unsettling event comes just weeks after Brian Thompson’s tragic death in New York. Authorities are still investigating whether there’s any connection or inspiration behind these two violent acts.
