A high-ranking executive of a Michigan-based manufacturing firm was gravely wounded in a stabbing incident that occurred during a company meeting on Tuesday. Erik Denslow, the president of Anderson Express Inc., was allegedly assaulted by a fellow employee. Although the police initially withheld Denslow’s identity, it was later confirmed by local media outlets. Denslow is currently hospitalized in critical condition, but is expected to recover, according to authorities.
The alleged attacker, Nathan Mahoney, 32, was arrested and is currently in police custody. Mahoney was identified through police and court records by local media. The motive behind the assault is still uncertain, but law enforcement is considering the possibility that it might be a “copycat” incident, echoing the recent execution-style killing of UnitedHealth CEO Brian Thompson in Manhattan on December 4.
Deputy Police Chief Greg Poulson acknowledged that the potential copycat nature of the crime was being taken into account. Investigators are presently scrutinizing Mahoney’s social media and electronic accounts in an attempt to determine a motive. On Wednesday, Mahoney was arraigned on charges of assault with intent to murder and evading 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 evading the police. According to police reports, 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 coworkers 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 caters to the automotive and defense sectors, expressed shock over the incident. The company’s executives stated their primary concern is supporting their employees as they deal with the aftermath of the assault. Both Anderson Express Inc. and Mahoney have been contacted for comments.
The alleged killer of Thompson, Luigi Mangione, is suspected to have been planning the assassination since August. Mangione was extradited from Pennsylvania to New York City on Thursday and is due to appear in federal court.