Employees witnessed co-worker stab company president, court documents show

MUSKEGON, MI – Several employees at a Muskegon-area manufacturer witnessed their boss get stabbed by a fellow co-worker on Tuesday during a company meeting, court records show.

The alleged attacker, Nathan Joseph Mahoney, is now charged with attempted murder stemming from the altercation at Anderson Express in Fruitport Township.

Erik Denslow, president of the company, is expected to make a full and speedy recovery, a spokesperson for Anderson Express said. Investigators have not released a motive behind the attack.

RELATED: Worker stabs boss during staff meeting, police say

The stabbing was reported at 9:23 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17, at the business on South Mill Road.

Fruitport Township police detailed its investigation in an affidavit for arrest warrant obtained by MLive/Muskegon Chronicle.

Officers arrived at the business Tuesday morning and learned Denslow was stabbed on his right side just below his ribcage. The stabbing was witnessed by several other employees who all gave consistent statements to police.

Witnesses say Mahoney, 31, entered the conference room wearing a black medical mask. He walked up to Denslow before sticking a red-handled knife with a four-inch blade into Denslow’s side, the affidavit states.

After, Mahoney fled in a BMW but was apprehended by Muskegon County sheriff’s deputies in the Ravenna area.

Employees described Mahoney as having a quiet demeanor, police said.

Mahoney was arraigned Wednesday, Dec. 18, in Muskegon County District Court. He’s charged with attempted murder and fourth-degree fleeing and eluding. Mahoney is expected to appear in court again on Dec. 26 for a probable cause conference.

“We remain in shock over the incident that happened at our plant yesterday,” a spokesperson for Anderson Express said in a statement. “Our first thought is with our president, who has a good prognosis for a full and speedy recovery. We are also focused on supporting our employees as they process this senseless assault.”

Want more Muskegon-area news? Bookmark the local Muskegon news page or sign up for the free “3@3 Muskegon” daily newsletter.