Oklahoma City, OK- An Oklahoma City man has been arrested and charged with multiple felonies after he allegedly threw a homemade fire bomb at a man in a wheelchair — then attempted to push the victim back into the burning flames.
Alexander Emery, 38, was taken into custody at the scene on July 2 near West Main Street and North Lee Avenue — directly across from the Oklahoma City Police Department headquarters.
According to authorities, Emery hurled a Molotov cocktail at the wheelchair-bound man as he crossed the street. The device exploded on impact, igniting fire around the victim. As the man attempted to wheel himself to safety, Emery allegedly rushed toward him and pushed him backward — causing the wheelchair to tip and the victim to fall directly into the flames.
Detectives were already nearby when the attack occurred. One officer and a bystander ran into the fire to pull the victim out, while another detective drew his weapon and took Emery into custody. Emergency services treated the victim at the scene, and he is expected to recover.
Investigators say Emery later admitted he chose the victim entirely at random.
Charges filed
- Assault with intent to kill
- First-degree arson
- Assault and battery with a deadly weapon
- Injuring a person with an explosive device
- Manufacturing an explosive device
- Possessing or using an incendiary device
- Bond: $200,000
Emery is currently being held at the Oklahoma County Detention Center. No court date has been announced.
The Oklahoma City Police Department credited the fast response for preventing a fatal outcome. “What happened next showed the absolute best of our community and our first responders,” the department stated.
