SOUTHFIELD, Mich. – A 39-year-old Detroit man faces two counts of assault with intent to murder following an attack at a Southfield bus stop.
Terrence Thomas is accused of stabbing two men Saturday night at the Northland Mall stop. Southfield police say a 52-year-old Detroit man had wounds to his head, neck and back and a 51-year-old Detroit man had a hand wound.
Both were treated and released from a hospital.
Thomas was arrested nearby. Police recovered two knives.
In addition to the assault with intent to murder charges, Thomas faces a weapons charge and possession of marijuana charge. He is being held on a $1 million bond and is scheduled to appear in court Feb. 25 for a pre-examination conference.
The men who were attacked told police that the suspect made several comments about his religion and asked them about their religious beliefs just before the attack. Police and the FBI are investigating to determine whether it was a hate crime. Police didn't specify the religious beliefs involved.
The Southfield police chief told Local 4 the man never professed his allegiance to any sort of religious entity. He believes the attacker is a mentally unstable man. He said the FBI was notified strictly as a precaution because religion was discussed prior to the stabbing.