In a shocking incident early Monday morning, a former employee of Tompkins Products in Detroit, Michigan, allegedly doused two female co-workers with gasoline and set them on fire.

According to Daily Mail Online, the attack occurred around 6:00 AM outside the company premises. The unidentified male suspect, who had recently been suspended or terminated from his job, targeted the women because he believed they played a role in his suspension.

The victims, one in her 50s and the other in her 60s suffered severe burns to their face, neck, upper torso, and shoulders. Despite the severity of their injuries, both women are expected to survive.

Eyewitness Account Of The Horrific Attack

Thomas Saldana, an employee who witnessed the incident, provided a harrowing account of the events. He recalled hearing screams and seeing the interior of the victims' car engulfed in flames.

"I heard some ladies screaming ... I seen the inside of her car was engulfed in flames," Saldana said. "Just walked up to it and lit them on fire, I heard nothing but screaming."

Saldana's quick thinking and bravery played a crucial role in apprehending the suspect. He pursued the attacker, successfully knocking him off his bicycle. Two other bystanders then helped restrain the suspect until law enforcement arrived at the scene.

Police Response And Potential Charges

Detroit Police Chief James White provided insights into the ongoing investigation and the suspect's background. The police department is considering pressing attempted murder charges against the perpetrator, who has a history of violent offenses.

Chief White stated:

We've had police contact with him in the past, and for very violent acts. I don't want a taint jury pool by speaking of previous bad acts or anything like that, so we'll leave that there. Multiple times he's been arrested before. I can say that, comfortably.

The police chief emphasized the severity of the crime, expressing his dismay at the suspect's actions. He added, "To resort to this type of reaction is just horrible."

Details Of The Attack And Immediate Aftermath

According to Dennis Richardson, Chief of the Detroit Fire Department Fire Investigation Division, the attack unfolded as the victims were exiting their vehicle at the start of their work shift. The suspect approached them, doused the car with gasoline, and used a cigarette lighter to ignite the fuel.

By the time emergency responders arrived at the scene, the women appeared to have extinguished the flames themselves. Paramedics promptly transported them to a nearby hospital for treatment of their severe burns. The suspect, who sustained minor injuries during his apprehension, was also taken to a hospital. Authorities have not yet released his identity or the specific reasons for his recent suspension or termination from Tompkins Products.

Legal Proceedings And Support For Victims

As the case moves forward, the suspect is expected to face serious criminal charges, including attempted murder. The prosecution will likely consider his history of violent offenses when building their case.

Support services are being made available to the victims, their families, and other employees of Tompkins Products who may have been affected by this traumatic event. The company has not yet released an official statement regarding the incident or any changes to their security protocols.

Lessons to Learn From This Tragedy

1. Always Stay Vigilant: Even in seemingly safe environments such as your workplace, always be aware of your surroundings and familiar with emergency exits and procedures.

2. Quick Response is Crucial: Understanding how to respond quickly and effectively in crises can drastically improve survival rates and minimize injuries.

3. Mental Health Matters: Take note of any signs of distress among colleagues. Early intervention can prevent the escalation of personal crises into violence.

However, it's essential to remember that crime can impact anyone, even those prepared, and victims should never be blamed.

Why This Story Matters

This shocking incident serves as a grim reminder of the devastating impacts unresolved workplace conflicts can have. It underscores the need for effective conflict resolution strategies and mental health resources in the workplace to prevent such tragedies.

The broader implications for the community involve enhancing protective measures, supporting recovery efforts for the victims, and examining the intertwining of personal grievances with violent behavior, aiming to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

Conclusion

A horrific attack occurred outside Tompkins Products in Detroit, where a former employee allegedly set two female co-workers on fire. The victims suffered severe burns but are expected to survive. The suspect, with a history of violent offenses, was apprehended thanks to the quick actions of witnesses. Police are considering attempted murder charges as the investigation continues. This incident has raised significant concerns about workplace safety and the potential dangers posed by disgruntled former employees.