Weeks after a stabbing outside an Oakland University residence hall sent the campus into lockdown, police say they have arrested a second teen suspect.
Oakland University police announced yesterday that 18-year-old Jason Anthony Ford Jr. of Rochester has been taken into custody and charged with aggravated assault in connection with the February attack outside Van Wagoner House. The victim, also 18 and not enrolled at Oakland University, suffered multiple stab wounds and was taken to a hospital for treatment after an unknown person let him into the dorm.
A different 18-year-old was arrested on Feb. 10 during a traffic stop and charged with assault with intent to commit murder, according to ClickOnDetroit. Oakland University Police Chief Mark Gordon said campus security camera footage, along with tips from the public, helped investigators identify a suspect vehicle and the two teens. He told reporters the victim underwent surgery and was recovering, and he urged students and visitors to stay alert while the investigation continues.
Second Arrest Follows Tense Campus Lockdown
Police said Wednesday that Ford, 18, of Rochester, had been formally charged with aggravated assault in the case, as reported by WXYZ. According to the station, investigators consider the stabbing an isolated incident and have confirmed that the victim and both suspects are not Oakland University students.
How Investigators Say They Closed In
Chief Gordon credited campus security cameras, public tips and help from the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office for tracking the suspects, ClickOnDetroit reported. "I want to commend the professionalism and dedication of our patrol officers, our detectives, and support staff," Gordon said, according to the outlet.
Investigators have asked anyone who might have information or video related to the case to call the Oakland University Police Department at (248) 370-3331, the Oakland Post reported.
Charges and Next Steps
WXYZ reports that prosecutors have filed felony charges tied to the Feb. 5 stabbing. The 18-year-old arrested during the traffic stop faces a charge of assault with intent to commit murder, while Ford faces aggravated assault counts. Court dates for Ford’s case had not been released publicly at the time of reporting.
What Happened Outside Van Wagoner House
The stabbing occurred around 8:15 p.m. on Feb. 5 outside Van Wagoner House, triggering a campuswide lockdown as officers swept the area, Oakland Post reported. Students told campus media the sudden lockdown left many shaken, and local outlets closely followed the case as detectives worked to identify and locate the suspects.
Oakland University officials and law enforcement say the investigation remains active and that they welcome additional tips. Anyone with information is asked to contact OUPD at (248) 370-3331. With both suspects now under arrest, authorities say they plan to release more details as the charging and arraignment process moves forward.
