A Michigan-based manufacturing company executive was critically injured in a stabbing incident during a staff meeting on Tuesday. Erik Denslow, the president of Anderson Express Inc., was reportedly attacked by an employee of the company. Although the police did not initially disclose Denslow’s identity, local media outlets News 8 and Fox 17 later confirmed it. Denslow is currently in critical condition in the hospital, but authorities expect him to survive.
The alleged assailant, 32-year-old Nathan Mahoney, was apprehended and taken into custody. Local media identified Mahoney through police and court documents. The motive behind the attack remains unclear, but law enforcement is not dismissing the possibility that it could be a “copycat” incident, mirroring the recent execution-style murder of UnitedHealth CEO Brian Thompson in Manhattan on December 4.
Deputy Police Chief Greg Poulson stated that the potential copycat nature of the crime was a consideration. Investigators are currently examining Mahoney’s social media and electronic accounts to establish a motive. Mahoney was arraigned on Wednesday on charges of assault with intent to murder and fleeing a police officer, as reported by People magazine.
Mahoney is currently being held on a $500,000 bond for the assault charge and an additional $1,000 bond for fleeing from the police. According to the police, Denslow was stabbed in the side with a knife, after which the suspect fled the scene in his vehicle. He was apprehended approximately 15 minutes after the incident.
Mahoney’s colleagues described him as having a “quiet demeanor” at work. Denslow, who has been with Anderson Express Inc. for less than two years, was promoted to the position of president within a year of his hiring.
Anderson Express Inc., a company that serves the automotive and defense sectors, expressed shock over the incident. The company’s executives stated their focus is on supporting their employees as they grapple with the aftermath of the assault. Both Anderson Express Inc. and Mahoney have been contacted for comments.
The alleged murderer of Thompson, Luigi Mangione, is suspected to have planned the assassination since August. Mangione was extradited from Pennsylvania to New York City on Thursday and is due to appear in federal court.