Employee accused of stabbing company president during meeting: 'Haven't ruled out copycat motive'

FRUITPORT TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — New details are emerging after the stabbing of a Michigan company's president by one of his own employees at a Muskegon-area manufacturer.

The stabbing incident took place Tuesday morning during a company meeting, police said.

The suspect, 32-year-old Nathan Mahoney of Walker, Michigan, has been charged in the attack, and also for allegedly trying to flee police.

Police say Mahoney had worked for Anderson Express Inc. for only two weeks before the incident. He was being trained for a high-level position within the company, officials said.

Employees described Mahoney as quiet, according to police.

Around 9 a.m. on Tuesday, staffers at the company gathered for a meeting. But Mahoney suddenly left in the middle of it, returning about 10 minutes later wearing a black medical mask, according to a probable cause affidavit.

Mahoney then allegedly stabbed the company president, sticking a knife with a 4-inch blade into his rib cage.

Police in Fruitport Township have since acknowledged that it's possible the attack was inspired by the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York City.

"We haven't ruled out copycat motive in regards to this," Deputy Chief Greg Poulson told Nexstar's WOOD on Wednesday. "I think that comes to everyone's mind in this time. We're going through all his social accounts, all his electronic media and trying to determine a motive for this act."

The killing of Thompson has raised concerns over threats to other company CEOs.

"It seems to be the popular thing in this day and age," Poulson said.

No information regarding a potential motive has been indicated in any court documents reviewed by WOOD.

After the stabbing on Tuesday morning, police said Mahoney entered a black BMW and drove off at a high rate of speed. He then led officers on a pursuit, according to the affidavit.

A deputy eventually found Mahoney's vehicle parked in a driveway before he took him into custody in a backyard. Police say Mahoney refused to answer any questions.

Mahoney is now charged with assault with intent to murder, which is punishable by a possible sentence of life in prison. He is also charged with fourth-degree fleeing and eluding a police officer.

The company president was hospitalized Tuesday to undergo surgery. He is expected to recover.