A terrifying encounter has jolted Oklahoma, where a man in a wheelchair was attacked by an individual while crossing an intersection. Surveillance footage obtained by the Oklahoma City Police Department shows the spine-chilling incident unfolding in broad daylight.
In the video, the wheelchair-ridden individual can be seen crossing an intersection. The suspect, a male, who was visible nearby at the same intersection, came from the opposite side, holding a white paper bag.
As soon as he crosses the road, he suddenly turns around and can be seen tearing the bag. He approaches the victim and calls for them. As soon as the person in the wheelchair turns around, he throws a bottle of a substance that law enforcement describes as a Molotov Cocktail at them. The victim narrowly escapes catching on fire.
The same video shows the law enforcement intervening. The suspect did not try to run away. As soon as he spotted the police officers, he threw the bottle, sat on the sidewalk, before laying down on his back. The police detained the suspect and took him into custody while another quick-thinking passerby rushed to the victim’s help. The incident reportedly took place near the police headquarters. The Oklahoma City Fire Department soon arrived at the scene to provide crucial medical aid.
According to multiple news sources, the suspect has been identified as 38-year-old Alexander Emery. The motive behind the crime is still unknown to the police. The Oklahoma City Police Department has since shared an update on Facebook.
“On July 2nd, a terrifying incident unfolded right across the street from OKCPD Headquarters at W. Main and N. Lee when a suspect threw a Molotov cocktail at a victim in a wheelchair,” the statement read.
“What happened next showed the absolute best of our community and our first responders. OKCPD detectives and a quick-thinking bystander immediately rushed into danger to help the victim and take the suspect into custody on the spot. The Oklahoma City Fire Department was also quick to the scene to provide crucial medical aid. Thanks to this rapid, heroic response, the victim is expected to recover, and the suspect is behind bars.”
The victim is reportedly recovering, and the suspect remains locked up, all thanks to heroic first responders and the community. Netizens were understandably shaken by the terrifying incident as they expressed concern for public safety.
One Facebook user commented, “Why did he have all that on hand? Was it random or did he know the man? Curious as to the man in the wheelchair crossing the intersection across the middle. Glad hes ok and hope he gets his wheel chair replaced. Just curious.”
Another rang the alarm and said, “Has to be premeditated. Nobody just carries around a Molotov cocktail without intent.”
A third individual questioned the motive behind the crime and whether the attack was unprovoked, “Did he flip him the bird as the guy was walking, or was he upset with the occupants in the car? Wild turn of events”
“This is an example of how normal, regular Oklahomans respond, with horror and immediately wanting to help and or donate to the victim of this insane, unprovoked attack. Praying his burns are not severe (burns hurt so bad) and that he doesn’t suffer PTSD like forever,” read a separate comment.
One netizen lauded the police for taking swift action, “That was a super quick arrest! Thank goodness they were in the right place at the right time to help that handicap person.”
