Scorned Employee's Fiery Revenge: A Chilling Tale of Workplace Violence

In a shocking turn of events, a Detroit man has been charged with two counts of assault with intent to murder and five additional related charges after allegedly setting a car on fire with two female coworkers trapped inside. The incident, which has sent shockwaves through the community, highlights the devastating consequences of workplace conflicts and the importance of addressing such issues before they escalate to violence.

A Cautionary Tale of Workplace Vengeance

The Termination and Threats

Roberto Romero, a 66-year-old employee of Tompkins Printing Equipment Co., was recently fired from his job, allegedly for leaving threatening notes at work directed at his two female coworkers, aged 57 and 50. The termination and the perceived injustice it brought upon Romero seem to have fueled a dangerous obsession, leading him to seek retribution against the women he believed were responsible for his work-related troubles.

The Fiery Attack

According to authorities, Romero returned to the workplace at 6 a.m. on Monday, where he encountered the two women sitting in a car. Driven by his apparent anger and desire for revenge, Romero is accused of dousing the vehicle in an accelerant, believed to be gasoline, and then setting it ablaze with the women still inside. The resulting fire caused serious burn injuries to the victims, including to their upper bodies, heads, faces, necks, and shoulders.

The Witness and Arrest

A witness, believed to be another coworker, witnessed the horrific incident and immediately pursued Romero, holding him at the scene until the police arrived. Romero, who was on probation for a previous assault charge involving a butcher knife and a bike chain, allegedly threatened the witness, saying, "When I get out of jail, I'm coming for you."

The Charges and Potential Consequences

Romero has been charged with two counts of assault with intent to murder, placing an offensive substance causing physical injury, two counts of assault with intent to do great bodily harm, and two counts of felonious assault. If convicted, he could face up to life in prison for his alleged actions.

The Victims' Condition

The two women, who were seriously injured in the attack, were reported to be in serious condition following the incident. Fire officials confirmed that the accelerant used was gasoline, and the victims suffered severe burns to their upper bodies, including their heads, faces, necks, and shoulders.

Romero's Behavior in Court

During his arraignment, Romero refused to speak to anyone other than Fox News and another unidentified individual. When the magistrate attempted to question him further, Romero repeatedly stated "Fox News" and the other name, declining legal representation and leaving the hearing with an expletive.This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of addressing workplace conflicts and tensions before they escalate to such devastating levels. Employers, coworkers, and the community as a whole must remain vigilant and proactive in identifying and addressing potential issues, ensuring that no one feels driven to such extreme and violent measures in the face of perceived injustice or termination. The safety and well-being of all employees should be the top priority, and this case underscores the need for comprehensive workplace violence prevention strategies and support systems to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.