U.S. man charged for allegedly throwing Molotov cocktail at wheelchair user

A man is in custody after allegedly throwing a Molotov cocktail at a person in a wheelchair near police headquarters in Oklahoma City. The suspect, identified as 38-year-old Alexander Emery, has been charged with multiple felonies, including assault with a deadly weapon, arson, and assault with intent to kill.

The incident occurred around 8:00 a.m. on July 2. Surveillance footage released by the Oklahoma City Police Department shows the victim crossing an intersection. The suspect then approaches the victim, ignites an object from his pocket, and throws it, engulfing the victim in flames. Passing motorists stopped to help, and witnesses were seen exiting their vehicles.

An officer and a bystander immediately pulled the victim from the fire. The victim sustained minor injuries, according to the Oklahoma City Fire Department. Reports indicate the victim may have also been pushed from their wheelchair during the attack. The suspect was detained at the scene by a second detective.

Police praised the swift response of the first responders and bystanders. "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 department stated on Facebook. The motive for the attack remains unknown, but authorities described the incident as "terrifying."

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OKCPD detectives and a quick-thinking bystander immediately rushed into danger to help the victim and take the suspect into custody on the spot.