Suspect charged after assaulting two women at local grocery store

with an unknown substance

 

The Farmington Hills Police Department has arrested a man in connection with two assault incidents at a local grocery store.

 

On Sept. 5, a woman reported to the Farmington Hills Police that while she was shopping the previous day at the Kroger store located at 25780 Middlebelt Road, a male suspect discharged an unknown liquid onto the back of her pants near her buttocks. The woman provided her pants to police evidence technicians who secured them for further testing. Investigators followed up with the store to obtain surveillance images of the suspect, while patrol officers continued to monitor the location and other locations for the suspect.

 

On Sept. 8, the suspect returned to the same Kroger and was recognized by store staff who called 911 to report that he had returned. Prior to officers’ arrival at the location, the suspect again followed a female shopper and discharged an unknown liquid onto her pants near her buttocks. Officers confronted the suspect as he attempted to flee the store and detained him.

 

The suspect was positively identified as the same individual involved in the Sept. 4 incident. He was arrested without incident and transported to the Farmington Hills Police Department. The pants from the second victim were also collected and will be tested to determine the nature of the fluid.

 

“The Farmington Hills Police Department is deeply committed to ensuring the safety of our community and holding people who violate that sense of safety accountable for their actions,” said Farmington Hills Police Chief John Piggott. “We are working diligently to investigate these incidents and provide answers to those affected.”

 

Farmington Hills Police submitted the investigation to the Oakland County Prosector’s Office, which reviewed the investigation and authorized a two-count warrant for Criminal Sexual Conduct in the 4^th Degree, one for each victim.

 

The suspect, identified as Deon Otis Grant, a 20-year-old resident of Southfield, was arraigned before Judge Brady of the 47^th District Court on Wednesday, Sept. 10. A not guilty plea was entered on his behalf. Grant was released from custody on a $10,000 personal bond. As a condition of his release Grant may not return to the Kroger store or have contact with the victims. His next court date will be before Judge Parker on Sept. 19 at 9 a.m.

 

Anyone with additional information related to these incidents is urged to call the Farmington Hills Police Department at 248-871-2610.

 

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