A man using a wheelchair is expected to recover after police say he was deliberately set on fire outside Oklahoma City Police Headquarters when a suspect threw a Molotov cocktail at him and then pushed him back into the flames as he tried to escape.
The July 2 attack, captured on surveillance video released by the Oklahoma City Police Department, unfolded just steps from police headquarters and ended with officers and a bystander rushing into danger to rescue the victim and arrest the suspect.
Attack unfolds outside police headquarters
According to investigators, the victim was crossing the street near police headquarters around 8 a.m. when 38-year-old Alexander Emery turned toward him and ignited a Molotov cocktail.
Police say Emery then threw the incendiary device, striking the man and briefly engulfing him in flames.
The violence did not stop there.
According to the department, Emery ran toward the victim and shoved both him and his wheelchair back into the burning area as the man attempted to get away.
“The victim fell backwards out of his chair and was once again engulfed in the flames,” police said in a statement accompanying the released footage.
Officers and bystander rush to help
The attack happened within sight of police headquarters, allowing officers to respond almost immediately.
A detective and a bystander pulled the victim away from the fire while another officer detained Emery. Two motorists also stopped to assist before firefighters arrived to provide medical care.
The department praised the actions of everyone involved.
“What happened next showed the absolute best of our community and our first responders,” Oklahoma City police said.
Officials credited the quick response with saving the victim’s life.
“Thanks to this rapid, heroic response, the victim is expected to recover, and the suspect is behind bars,” the department added.
Police also emphasized that crime victims should never be viewed as anonymous statistics.
“These are people, these are our neighbors, these are our fellow Oklahomans,” the department wrote. “These are people with hopes and dreams, just like any of us.”
Victim expected to recover
According to local media reports, the victim suffered burns to his neck and arms but is expected to make a full recovery.
KOCO later located the victim, who is homeless, near the scene of the attack.
He declined to appear on camera but told the station he was doing well, felt grateful to be alive, and believed God had been with him during the ordeal.
The victim also said he had never met Emery and had no idea why he was targeted. Although he accepted treatment at the scene, he declined transportation to a hospital.
Alleged motive revealed in court records
Court records shed light on what prosecutors say motivated the attack.
According to an arrest affidavit, Emery allegedly told investigators he had been “looking for marks” and believed the victim was a child molester. Police said there is no indication the victim knew Emery or that the allegation had any factual basis.
Investigators also allege Emery admitted making two Molotov cocktails but used only one before officers arrested him.
Suspect faces multiple felony charges
Emery was booked into the Oklahoma County Detention Center on multiple felony charges, including:
- First-degree arson
- Assault and battery with a deadly weapon
- Assault with intent to kill
- Two counts of possessing, using, manufacturing, or threatening to use an incendiary device or explosives
His bond was set at $200,000.
Records show Emery has a criminal history spanning roughly a decade, including previous charges for trespassing, burglary, drug offenses, breaking and entering, and assault and battery.
Investigation continues
The investigation remains ongoing as prosecutors move forward with the case.
Police have not indicated whether additional charges could be filed but say the surveillance video, witness accounts, and physical evidence collected at the scene will all play a role as the case proceeds through the legal system.
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