Michigan driver accused of trying to hit Harris supporters, assault and ethnic intimidation

(CBS DETROIT) – A 55-year-old man from St. Clair Shores accused of trying to run over the agitators in St. Clair Shores in October was charged with assault and ethnic intimidation.

On Oct. 12, Jason Lynch LaFond allegedly went to a tent in the VFW Bruce Post parking lot on Jefferson Avenue looking for campaign materials for former President Donald Trump. Political campaigns occasionally use the parking lot to hand out materials for both Democratic and Republican candidates.

Volunteers from the St. Clair Shores Democratic Club were working on the tent that day and informed Lafond that it was the Harris/Walz campaign tent. Lafond allegedly yelled profanities at the group, including anti-LGBTQ slurs.

Officials say LaFond then told the campaigners that when Trump won, he would “exterminate” people like them. He then returned to his car and sped towards the agitators who jumped out of the way. Lafon then left the scene.

“He was shooting at his car so fast that I quite rightly thought I was going to die. I thought this man was going to kill me,” said Melissa Crook, a volunteer with the St. Clair Shores Democratic Club. “I still don’t know how he was able to stop his car so fast because it’s not an electric car but he did and I’m thankful he did but I thought that was it and I’d never see my love units again.”

Lafond is charged with three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon (a four-year felony) and three counts of ethnic intimidation (a two-year felony).

“This alleged attack was not just an attack on the victims. This was an attack on victims’ rights to express themselves freely and safely, and it affected our entire community. Acts of violence, assault or harassment because of someone’s person have no place. This threatens our democracy and the exercise of free speech in fair and secure elections,” said Maycomb County District Attorney Peter J. Lucido.

Lafond was arraigned Thursday in St. Clair Shores District Court and posted a $50,000 bond. He was ordered to have no contact with victims or witnesses and to wear a GPS tag.

Lafond is due back in court Nov. 8 for a probable cause hearing.