DETROIT (WWJ) -- A 30-year-old Detroit man faces multiple felony charges in connection with a violent assault on his girlfriend that was caught on video at a local sandwich shop.
Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy on Tuesday announced the case against Orlando Jermaine Thomas, Jr., in connection with the incident on June 7.
According to prosecutors, the violence began aboard a Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) bus.
Thomas allegedly spit on his 26-year-old girlfriend before pushing her into the bus's windshield with enough force to crack the glass, investigators said,
The assault then spilled over into a Potbelly restaurant on Woodward Ave. at Griswold Street.
Seen in footage that went viral on social media, Thomas unleashed a chaotic attack, hurling tables and chairs at the victim while also repeatedly hitting and kicking her.
Detroit police officers responded to the restaurant at around 2:45 p.m.
Witnesses flagged them down and pointed out Thomas, officials said, who was fleeing on foot down nearby Congress Street. After a brief foot chase, Thomas stopped and arrested at the intersection of Griswold and North Larned streets.
The victim was treated at the scene and then taken to a local hospital. Her current condition has not been released.
Thomas is charged with the following: Assault with Intent to do Great Bodily Harm, Felonious Assault, Domestic Violence, and two counts of Malicious Destruction of Property – $200 or More but Less Than $1,000.
Michigan Department of Corrections records show Thomas has a criminal history, having spent time in jail for robbery and larceny. The was listed as a parolee at the time of the Potbelly incident.
Thomas appeared in 36th District Court for an arraignment Tuesday afternoon. His bond was set at $100,000, with house arrest and a GPS tether if he is released. A bond re-determination hearing is scheduled for June 11, ahead of a Probable Cause Conference set for June 18.
Worthy said, in a statement: “If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available."
The public can visit this link for a list of resources, including shelters, hotlines, and support services.
