TROY (WWJ) A 21-year-old Shelby Township man-- whom police said shot his former friend in the parking deck of an Oakland County hospital after not receiving an invitation to a family-only funeral viewing-- was charged with Assault with Intent to Murder, and faces the possibility of life in prison if convicted.
Oakland County prosecutors also charged Robert Paljusevic with Felony Firearm and Carrying a Concealed Weapon for the shooting on the morning of Thursday, March 20th, that forced Corewell Health Beaumont Troy Hospital into lockdown.
The 25-year-old victim -- who worked at Corewell with Paljusevic -- was struck in his arm and shoulder, according to police.
Investigators said Paljusevic allegedly fired seven shots at the victim's car as he was pulling out of the parking deck of the hospital on Dequindre near M-59 after his shift. Officers arrived and discovered multiple bullet holes in the windshield.
"Several shell casings were on the ground and a blood trail was observed leading toward the hospital," Detective Carlo Pizzorni of the Troy Police Department said during the arraignment.
Federal, local, and state law enforcement agencies responded to search the hospital, he said.
According to police; the defendant fled the scene while doctors treated the victim in the Emergency Room. Macomb County Sheriff's deputies arrested the defendant at his home within a couple hours of the shooting.
Pizzorni said the victim and defendant would often hang out together after their shifts at the hospital.
He said the defendant turned on the victim when the victim's father passed away in January of this year. The defendant became enraged when he was not invited to the private family-only viewing.
"The defendant had made a comment to the victim-- if I do see you outside, in public, don't be surprised if something happens..." Pizzorni said.
According to Pizzorni, the victim described Paljusevic as a "Jekyll and Hyde" with a "cloud hanging over him, and always a fear of what he might do."
The victim's mother also described the defendant as "highly possessive" of him, Pizzorni said.
Palsujevic's counsel told the court Paljusevic lives with his sister and has worked for the hospital for about two years, adding he claimed his only previous trouble with the law involved a public intoxication incident.
The judge denied him bond. He remains lodged at the Oakland County Jail.
“We can be grateful the victim appears to be recovering from his injury, but no one should have to fear violence in the workplace,” Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald said. “This incident sent the hospital into a lockdown, put local schools on alert, and terrified an entire community..."
Counsel entered a plea of Not Guilty on Paljusevic's behalf.
The Assault with Intent to Murder charge is punishable by up to life in prison.
He is due back in court on March 31st.