Florida man charged with terrorism, intent to murder, after setting MSP vehicles on fire

A 39-year-old Florida man was arraigned on multiple felony charges Monday, after he allegedly set multiple Michigan State Police vehicles on fire and shot at them with a rifle. According to the MSP, James Itani was arraigned in 91st District Court on charges of one count of terrorism, one count of third-degree arson, 11 counts of assault with intent to murder and multiple counts of weapons violations.

A search for Itani began shortly after several vehicles at the MSP Sault Ste. Marie post were set on fire around 3:30 a.m. on Sept. 6. The day after the fires were discovered, police eventually tracked Itani to a property on Riverside Road. As they attempted to search the property, Itani allegedly opened fire on officers, who returned fire of their own.

Itani was injured in the shootout and was listed in critical condition as of last week, but has recovered enough to be charged in the case. He is currently lodged at the Chippewa County Jail and bond was set at $5 million.

Read more: M Live (Michigan)