Oakland County Mall Stabbing Stemmed From Stolen Backpack: Prosecutor

AUBURN HILLS, MI — Prosecutors said a man stabbed his coworker inside Auburn Hills' Great Lakes Crossing Outlets on Sunday over a stolen backpack.

Officers were called to the Sbarro restaurant inside the mall at 12:30 p.m. Sunday when they found a worker suffering from multiple stab wounds, according to prosecutors.

The 18-year-old man was taken to a nearby hospital where he was treated for non-life-threatening injuries, according to prosecutors.

Investigators talked to the victim and identified the suspect as 21-year-old Armani Laquarius Phillips, of Pontiac, which is where officers arrested him.

Phillips was charged with assault with intent to do great bodily harm, which carries up to ten years in prison, if convicted.

Prosecutors said Phillips was arguing with his coworker in the back office of the restaurant. They said the argument escalated and Phillips stabbed the man four times in the lower neck and shoulder.

"Settling disputes with violence is never acceptable," Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald said. "The defendant’s co-workers have a right to a safe workplace, and customers at the mall should feel safe while shopping. We intend to hold him accountable."