The man accused of setting fire and shooting at Michigan State Police cruisers at the Sault Ste. Marie post in Michigan — then shooting at police officers when they attended to arrest him the following day — was officially charged in 91st District Court today.
James Kamal Itani listened to Judge Eric Blubaugh read off all 17 charges against him, which include one count of terrorism, 11 counts of attempted murder on police officers, one 3rd-degree arson, one felony firearm, one possession of a loaded firearm in a vehicle, and two charges of discharging a firearm at an emergency or police vehicle.
In requesting a high bond, prosecutors emphasized the severity of the alleged crimes by Itani on the early morning of Sept. 6.
They also deemed the 39-year-old Itani a flight risk because his official address is in Orlando, Florida, but also because he has recently travelled to Canada and the Middle East.
Judge Blubaugh then set the bond at $5 million.
Itani was shot and injured by police on Sept. 7 when they surrounded him where he was staying. He was taken to a downstate hospital to recover and brought back to the Chippewa County jail Sunday.
No officers were hit when Itani fired on them.
He will appear back in court in early October.
More local news
Browse local flyers
Weather forecast
Find local deals
View local webcams
Verified Commenter, please