A bystander and nearby detectives pulled an injured wheelchair user to safety while another officer detained the alleged attacker.
OKLAHOMA CITY — A bystander and nearby police detectives rushed toward a burning wheelchair user after an alleged Molotov cocktail attack, helping move the man to safety as another officer detained a suspect at the scene.
The response unfolded about 8 a.m. July 2 near West Main Street and North Lee Avenue, across from Oklahoma City Police Department headquarters. Police later released surveillance video that showed how quickly witnesses and first responders moved after flames spread around the victim and his wheelchair.
Authorities said Alexander Emery threw the incendiary device as the victim crossed the downtown street. The attack set the victim and wheelchair on fire, police said. The video shows vehicles stopping and people moving toward the scene within moments.
A detective and a civilian bystander pulled the victim away from the fire while another detective took Emery into custody, according to police. Fire Department personnel then provided medical aid. Police said the victim suffered minor injuries and is expected to make a full recovery.
The Police Department praised the combined response by members of the public and first responders. Their intervention limited the time the victim remained near the flames and allowed emergency workers to begin treating him soon after the attack.
The department has not identified the bystander who assisted or released the victim’s name. Officials also have not provided a detailed account of the victim’s treatment beyond saying his injuries were minor and that he was expected to recover.
Police identified Emery as the alleged attacker and said he told investigators that he selected the victim at random. Authorities have not announced another motive or disclosed evidence that the men had any previous connection.
Emery was arrested on felony complaints that included first-degree arson, assault and battery with a deadly weapon, injuring another person with an explosive, manufacturing an explosive device and assault with intent to kill. The accusations have not been proven in court.
Police released the surveillance footage July 7 as they described both the seriousness of the attack and the response that followed. The video contains disturbing images, but it also documents the immediate actions of people who entered a dangerous area to help the victim.
The investigation remained underway. Information about Emery’s plea, legal representation and future court proceedings was not immediately available in the reports reviewed for this article.
Author note: Last updated July 11, 2026.