Judge Orders Santa-Clad Man Tried In Detroit Gas Station Shooting

DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - A man who was dressed in a Santa Claus suit when he allegedly shot two men at a downtown Detroit gas station will stand trial.

A judge on Thursday bound 26-year-old Marcus Weldon over to Wayne County Circuit Court on assault with intent to murder and other charges.

Weldon's supporters claim he was protecting his life and that of a co-worker who was dressed as "Mrs. Claus" during the Dec. 21 confrontation at the Speedway on Jefferson Ave. They say the co-worker, Erica Johnson, was being harassed by one of the men.

According to police, Weldon engaged in a "heated verbal exchange" with Salah Rifai and Omar Bady before firing several shots, wounding the two 29-year-old men.

Rifai, who was shot in the hand, testified last week during Weldon's preliminary examination that an argument started after Bady bumped into Johnson. Bady remains in critical condition.

Weldon's circuit court arraignment was set for Jan. 29.

David Alexander Bullock — spokesperson for the group Change Agent Consortium — called on the Wayne County Prosecutor to drop charges against Weldon, who has a license to carry a concealed weapon.

Bullock said Weldon "was under attack" when he opened fire and was following the recommendation of Detroit Police Chief James Craig who has encouraged citizens to arm themselves.

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