Lawyer Wants Psych Exam For Man Who Stabbed Deputy, Escaped

DETROIT (WWJ) - A public lighting problem that plunged multiple Detroit public buildings into darkness also delayed an arraignment in a high-profile court case.

Abraham Pearson, 25, was set to appear via video at the Frank Murphy Hall of Justice on Wednesday, accused in the assault of a sheriff's deputy. Pearson, who also goes by the alias Derreck White, is facing 11 felony charges, including the attempted murder of that deputy.

Pearson's attorney, James Howarth, says his client has been "unresponsive" following his arrest.

"He has a history is psychotic breakdowns. I have a feeling that might be behind a lot of this," said Howarth.

Howarth said, although his client has been found mentally fit for trial in previous cases, he's requesting a fresh psychiatric exam.

"I understand that charges are made that he did a number of things that sounds like a very sane, rational and even cunning person," said Howarth. "On the other hand, when I see him 24 hours later, and a person who I've known for a year doesn't know who I am ... Well, then I think he's entitled to have somebody take another look at him."

Police say Pearson on Monday used a sharpened comb fashioned into a shank during the attack, before escaping the courthouse and carjacking his way to freedom. He then led police on a 14-hour manhunt, which ended with his re-capture on the city's east side that night.

Pearson's video arraignment was  re-scheduled for Thursday afternoon, although it was not clear as of Wednesday night whether the Frank Murphy Hall of Justice would still be closed.

DTE Energy estimated it could take up to 24 hours to restore power to Midtown and downtown buildings. The lights went out at around 1 p.m. [MORE HERE]

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