What started as a city bus ride allegedly turned into a violent ordeal that spilled into a downtown Detroit Potbelly sandwich shop, leaving a 26-year-old woman injured and a 30-year-old man facing multiple felony charges, according to prosecutors.
Charges and court file
Orlando Thomas Jr., of Detroit, has been charged with assault with intent to do great bodily harm, felonious assault, domestic violence, and two counts of malicious destruction of property, according to The Detroit News, citing the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office. Court records reviewed by the outlet showed no attorney listed for Thomas at the time of the filing.
Alleged timeline of violence
Prosecutors say the violence began on a Detroit bus, where Thomas allegedly spat on his 26-year-old girlfriend and shoved her into the windshield, cracking the glass. The woman then went into the Potbelly in downtown Detroit, where investigators say Thomas followed her inside.
Once in the restaurant, he allegedly hit and kicked her and hurled tables and chairs before leaving the scene, according to the account outlined by prosecutors.
Arrest and resources for survivors
Officers later caught up with Thomas on Congress Street near Griswold after what authorities described as a brief foot chase. Prosecutors said he was taken into custody after attempting to run from police. The Detroit News reported the charges and the sequence of events.
Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy used the case to remind the public that support is available, stating that if someone is experiencing domestic violence, they should seek help. She directed people to the Wayne County Domestic Violence Unit for resources and hotlines.
Legal note
The charges are allegations, and Thomas is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. Court dates and additional filings were not immediately available, and the case is expected to move forward in the local district court system.
