A man in a wheelchair was set on fire outside Oklahoma City police headquarters after a suspect allegedly hurled a Molotov cocktail at him, then shoved him back toward the flames as he tried to escape.
The video begins with the wheelchair user crossing a street near police headquarters around 8 a.m. July 2, before 38-year-old Alexander Emery, who was also in the road, turns back toward him, authorities said.
Police said Emery appeared to light something before allegedly throwing the incendiary device at the victim.
The man was briefly surrounded by fire after the object hit, but the attack did not end there.
“Emery ran at the victim and pushed him and his wheelchair back into the flames. The victim fell backwards out of his chair and was once again engulfed in the flames,” police stated.
Help came from both the street and police headquarters, with two people stopping their vehicle as a detective and bystander pulled the victim from the flames and another officer caught Emery.
In the aftermath, Oklahoma City Police released video of the incident and credited both the bystander and first responders for the victim’s survival.
🪖Seventeen battle-tested candidates are ready to strike a decisive blow to the Democrat Machine — but they urgently need resources. 🪖 Join the grassroots push to save the House Majority and back them today! ➡️➡️➡️ Make a 17X impact!!! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
“What happened next showed the absolute best of our community and our first responders,” police commented.
The department described detectives and a “quick-thinking bystander” moving into danger to help the victim and take the suspect into custody on the spot, while the fire department arrived to provide medical aid.
“Thanks to this rapid, heroic response, the victim is expected to recover, and the suspect is behind bars,” the department posted.
Police also framed the victim as more than a case number. “These are people, these are our neighbors, these are our fellow Oklahomans,” they said. “These are people with hopes and dreams, just like any of us.”
Local media reported the victim suffered minor injuries, including burns to the back of his neck and arms, and is expected to recover.
The Oklahoman reported that the video showed the victim wheeling himself away from the fire before the suspect appeared to try to force him back into it.
A court affidavit added a disturbing alleged motive. Emery told investigators he was “looking for marks” and wanted to kill the victim because he believed he saw a “mark” and thought the man was a child molester, according to the document.
He also allegedly told investigators he made two Molotov cocktails but used only one before officers detained him.
KOCO-TV later found the victim, who is homeless, in his wheelchair close to where the fiery assault occurred.
He refused to be filmed, but told the station he was OK, felt grateful and believed God had been with him during the ordeal.
The victim also told KOCO he did not know Emery or why he was attacked. He said he was treated at the scene but refused further treatment at a hospital.
Emery was booked into the Oklahoma County jail on charges of first-degree arson, assault and battery with a deadly weapon, assault with intent to kill and two counts of possessing, using, manufacturing or threatening to use an incendiary device or explosives. His bond was set at $200,000.
Authorities described Emery as having a lengthy criminal history, including charges tied to trespassing, burglary, drug offenses, breaking and entering, and assault and battery, with incidents that go back around ten years.
The Oklahoma City victim survived, but another fire case from last month turned deadly after flames tore through a New York hotel being used to house homeless residents.
The June 22 blaze at the Knights Inn in Endwell killed six people, sent two others to the hospital and left dozens without a place to stay, according to New York State Police.
By that night, investigators had arrested 24-year-old Tyler Russell, who lived at the hotel.
He was charged with six counts of second-degree manslaughter and one count of fourth-degree arson.
Fire crews reached the Broome County property around 6 a.m. after reports of a fire and found smoke billowing from the front of the building while flames burned at the rear.
The blaze grew quickly enough that more fire departments and law enforcement agencies were called in to help.
The victims were later identified by New York State Police. At a joint press conference, State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation Capt. Lucas Anthony said 58-year-old Michelle Woolfolk was found dead in her first-floor bedroom.
A family of five was found on the second floor. Three of the victims were children younger than 3.
Russell was taken into custody around 8:25 p.m. after investigators began tying the case to someone who had been staying inside the building.
“Through interviews, surveillance video, and other methods, a suspect was developed who had been staying in the first floor of the building,” Anthony said.
Officials left open the possibility that Russell could face different charges as the investigation continues.
The damage reached beyond the victims killed in the fire. The American Red Cross helped displaced guests, a temporary shelter was opened at Vestal United Methodist Church, and the United Way of Broome County launched an emergency relief fund.
A Red Cross volunteer estimated that 73 people were displaced.
Authorities have not announced a possible motive.
According to prison records cited by Syracuse.com, Russell had only been back on parole since February after serving roughly two years for grand larceny.
