Inset: Alex Buley-Neumar (Livingston County Sheriff”s Office). Background: The Livingston County Jail in Howell, Michigan (Google Maps).
In a chilling incident in Michigan, authorities have reported that a man targeted a family’s residence with Molotov cocktails after allegedly stalking a minor he encountered on social media. This alarming act has led to the arrest and charging of 25-year-old Alex Buley-Neumar.
Buley-Neumar is now facing severe charges, including the fabrication and possession of a Molotov cocktail, causing property damage, aggravated stalking of a minor, and using digital means to commit a crime. Additionally, he faces charges related to inappropriate conduct towards a child. The Livingston County Sheriff’s Office disclosed these charges, highlighting the gravity of the situation and the potential for Buley-Neumar to serve up to 44 years in prison if convicted on all counts. The sheriff’s office provided updates through their Facebook page last Friday.
The incident unfolded on the evening of November 28, around 9:30 p.m., when an attacker launched Molotov cocktails at a house on Burson Drive in Brighton Township. This attack ignited several fires within the neighborhood, endangering the community.
Fortunately, the quick response from local deputies and vigilant neighbors who promptly doused the flames prevented what could have escalated into a devastating disaster. The sheriff’s office commended the community’s rapid action and collaboration with law enforcement.
Through a thorough investigation and analysis of the evidence collected at the scene, law enforcement authorities identified Buley-Neumar as the primary suspect. His alleged actions have raised significant concerns about the dangers posed by online interactions and the lengths to which some individuals might go after engaging with minors on social media platforms.
Five Molotov cocktails were recovered, according to Detroit-based ABC affiliate WXYZ, with nearby video surveillance footage showing bright bursts of flame spreading on the residential block before the neighbors put them out.
Deputies surveyed all of the evidence they could find, and Buley-Neumar was identified as the suspect by law enforcement.
“[T]he attack was connected to an ongoing stalking and harassment case involving a juvenile victim over social media platforms,” according to the sheriff’s office.
“It’s really scary to know that someone drove an hour away just to come throw fireballs at someone’s house,” a local resident told the local TV station.
Buley-Neumar is from Mount Pleasant, Michigan, which is located about 115 miles north of Brighton Township.
With the help of the city’s police department, the defendant was arrested on Nov. 29 and brought to the Livingston County Jail.
On Monday, he was arraigned and ordered held on a $1 million cash bond.
The sheriff’s office said it expects additional charges to be filed against the defendant. Buley-Neumar is due back in court next week.
Brighton Township, Michigan, is located about 45 miles west of Detroit.
