Suspect identified in Black Thorn Pub shooting

Philip Aitken

GENESEE COUNTY, Michigan – A former employee of the Black Thorn Pub is lodged in the Genesee County Jail after he was arraigned on a two-count felony for shooting out windows of Fenton’s popular restaurant, The French Laundry.

Last week, Fenton resident Philip Aitken, 23 was charged with malicious destruction of property over $1,000, and firing a weapon from a motor vehicle. The incident was reported on Dec. 22, 2012. Damages at The French Laundry are estimated to be $1,048.

A preliminary exam is set for Jan. 16.

A similar incident at Holly’s downtown bar and restaurant, the Black Thorn Pub, was reported on Dec. 26. Interim Police Chief Mike Story said the pub sustained an estimated $2,500 in damages.

Formerly employed by both businesses, detectives fingered Aitken in the crimes which both involved firing a 22-caliber rifle into the façades of the restaurants from a vehicle. No one was injured in either incident.

The Holly Police Department and the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office are seeking separate charges for the Black Thorn Pub incident.