Man charged following assault with Molotov cocktail

MENOMINEE — A Menominee man faces multiple felony charges following an alleged assault with a Molotov cocktail.

Menominee County Prosecuting Attorney Jeffrey T. Rogg announced that he has charged Frank Samuelle Buelteman, 45, with terrorism, three counts of assault with intent to murder, and three associated felonies. The principal offenses are each punishable by life or any number or years in prison.

According to court documents and information presented in open court, on June 14, 2024, Menominee Police Department (“MPD”) Officers responded to 1236 West Drive, for a “fire bomb” complaint. Officers determined that a Molotov cocktail had been thrown at the residence there while two individuals were sitting on the back porch and another person was inside. The resulting fire was extinguished with a garden hose by one of the victims, who reported that he “felt the heat (from the explosion) on his face and smelled the fumes.”

A neighbor provided video surveillance footage to the MPD. It depicted a man throwing a Molotov cocktail at the West Drive residence and landing by the porch. The neighbor recognized the perpetrator as “Frankie:” officers identified the man as Buelteman. And quickly located and arrested him in a shed at 2112 11th Ave. Officers observed that Buelteman was wearing the same green pants as depicted in the video; additional distinctive items of clothing were found and seized, in addition to a container of gasoline, The Menominee Fire Department assisted MPD at the scene.

“Acts such as this are reprehensible,” Rogg said. “A targeted act of terrorism simply will not be tolerated, and I will aggressively pursue and prosecute those who threaten harm to our community. I appreciate the excellent work of my law enforcement partners in identifying and arresting the suspect so quickly.”

Buelteman was arraigned before the Judge Robert J. Jamo in the 95-A District Court on Monday. Jamo established bond at $250,000, cash/surety. Attorney William Hougeboom was appointed to represent Buelteman. Jamo scheduled a Probable Cause Conference for July 1 at 8:15 a.m., and the Preliminary Examination on July 22 at 8:30 a.m.

Prosecutor Rogg reminds everyone that a criminal charge is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The Prosecutor does not provide booking photos.