A large parking-lot fight in Pontiac turned into a serious assault investigation after a teenage girl suffered extensive burns, authorities said.
The incident happened around 7 p.m. Sept. 28 near Leonard Lane, where Oakland County sheriff’s deputies responded to reports of a large group fighting. Authorities estimated that between 50 and 100 people were gathered in the parking lot when deputies arrived.
Investigators said 31-year-old Shanell Lakeisha Cohen and the 15-year-old girl were initially involved in a physical confrontation. After that fight ended, authorities allege Cohen went back to her home and returned carrying a pot of boiling water.
The teenager was involved in another physical altercation with other people when Cohen allegedly approached her and poured the hot water onto her back.
The girl suffered extensive burns and was taken by ambulance to McLaren Oakland Hospital. Because of the seriousness of her injuries, she was later transferred to Children’s Hospital of Michigan in Detroit. Authorities said she suffered third-degree burns to her neck and most of her back and remained hospitalized.
Woman arrested after police interview
Cohen went to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Pontiac substation on Oct. 1 for an interview with detectives. Investigators said she admitted during the interview to pouring the hot water on the teenager.
She was subsequently arrested and booked into the Oakland County Jail.
Cohen was arraigned in 50th District Court in Pontiac on a charge of assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder or by strangulation. A magistrate set her bond at $75,000 cash or surety, with a 10% provision.
Her next court proceeding, a probable cause conference, is scheduled for Oct. 13.
If convicted of the charge, Cohen could face up to 10 years in prison, according to reporting on the case.
Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said the incident illustrates how a dispute can escalate into serious violence and said those responsible would be held accountable.
Authorities have not publicly identified the teenage victim, who is a minor. The circumstances that initially led to the confrontation and the reason for the large gathering remain part of the investigation.
