Worker arraigned in Coney Island shooting

A Motor City Coney Island worker on Tuesday was arraigned in the nonfatal shooting of a customer after a dispute at the Detroit restaurant on Sunday. 

Engjull Thaqi, 45, was formally arraigned in 36th District Court on one count each of assault with intent to do great bodily harm, felonious assault, carrying a dangerous weapon with unlawful intent and felon in possession of a firearm. He also faces four counts of felony firearm.

Thaqi's bond was set at $100,000. 

The incident occurred at 2:40 p.m. Sunday at the Motor City Coney Island on East McNichols and Oakland, police said. 

Thaqi, a Macomb Twp. resident, was working when he got into an argument with customer Eugene Lorenzo Lyons, 23, and asked him to leave the restaurant.

Read more: Worker arrested in customer shooting in Detroit

Shortly after, Lyons, a Detroit resident, returned and went to the rear parking lot of the restaurant. Thaqi followed Lyons with a silver handgun and shot four times, hitting Lyons once in the leg, according to the prosecutors office. 

Lyons ran westbound on McNichols about a half-block before collapsing, leaving a trail of blood on the sidewalk.

He was transported in critical condition to Henry Ford Hospital and Thaqi was arrested at the scene.

Prosecutors said Thaqi had prior charges for felony assault in 1994 and larceny in 1995. He is to have no contact with the victim and is to be placed on a GPS tether upon bond release. 

A probable cause conference is scheduled for 8:30 a.m on May 29. A preliminary examination will be held at 9 a.m. on June 4. Both hearings are before Judge Kenneth King in 36th District Court.

srahal@detroitnews.com

Twitter:@SarahRahal_