A Michigan man is accused of stabbing his company’s president during a staff meeting in what authorities suspect may be a “copycat” crime following the recent killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
The incident occurred Tuesday at Anderson Express Inc., a manufacturing company in Muskegon. Police say the suspect, Nathan Mahoney, 32, stabbed company president Erik Denslow in the side during a morning meeting.
The Attack
According to the Fruitport Township Police Department, the staff meeting started around 9:20 a.m. Mahoney reportedly left the meeting and returned 10 minutes later, approaching Denslow before allegedly stabbing him.
Mahoney fled the scene in his vehicle but was arrested 15 minutes later after being stopped by police. He had been employed at the company for only a few weeks.
President in Stable Condition
Denslow, who has served as president of Anderson Express since early 2023, was rushed to a local hospital, where he underwent surgery. Authorities report that he is in serious but stable condition and is expected to recover.
“Our first thought is with our president, who has a good prognosis for a full and speedy recovery,” the company said in a statement.
Investigators Explore Motive
Deputy Chief Greg Poulson of the Fruitport Township Police Department said investigators are not ruling out the possibility of a copycat motive, referencing the recent high-profile murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
“We’re going through all his social accounts, all his electronic media, and trying to determine a motive for this act,” Poulson said.
Colleagues described Mahoney as having a quiet demeanor. However, no clear reason for the attack has been identified.
Company in Shock
Anderson Express, which works with the automotive and defense industries, expressed shock over the incident.
“We are also focused on supporting our employees as they process this senseless assault,” the company’s statement read.
Denslow joined Anderson Express in January 2022 as vice president and general manager. Within a year, he was promoted to company president.
Charges Filed
Mahoney has been charged with assault with intent to murder and fleeing. He is currently being held at the Muskegon County Jail with bond set at $501,000.
Broader Concerns
The attack has raised concerns about workplace safety and the potential influence of high-profile violent incidents. Authorities say they are taking the possibility of a copycat crime seriously as they continue to investigate.
Denslow’s colleagues and the community are rallying around him as he recovers. For now, police remain focused on finding answers in this unsettling case.