A Michigan woman has been arrested in connection with a violent attack that investigators say began with a trip to a bar and ended with the victim being beaten, run over by a vehicle, and abandoned in freezing temperatures for hours.
The Detroit Police Department announced that Rajena Linson, 25, has been charged with assault with intent to murder in connection with the Jan. 31, 2022, attack. Authorities announced her arrest on Friday, more than four years after the alleged assault.
Victim Allegedly Lured to Eastpointe Bar
According to investigators, the victim drove Linson to a bar in Eastpointe, Michigan, a city in Macomb County just north of Detroit.
Police said the two women later met another individual, and the three traveled together to the parking lot of a middle school located in the 15400 block of Maddelein Street in Detroit.
Authorities believe the trip to the school parking lot was part of the plan leading up to the attack.
Alleged Assault in School Parking Lot
Investigators said the victim exited the vehicle after telling the others she needed to use the restroom.
At that point, police allege Linson and the unidentified accomplice attacked the woman, beating her in the parking lot.
According to the Detroit Police Department, the suspects then got back into the vehicle and reversed over the victim before pausing for several seconds.
Police allege the suspects then drove away, leaving the seriously injured woman behind in extremely cold weather.
Victim Left Outside for Hours
Detroit Police Commander Rebecca McKay said the victim remained outside for approximately six hours in temperatures around 9 degrees Fahrenheit before she was found.
Authorities also said the suspects’ vehicle allegedly returned to the parking lot before the victim was discovered, apparently to check whether she was still alive, before leaving again.
Emergency Responders Found Victim Seriously Injured
Police responded to the scene at approximately 2:30 a.m.
When officers arrived, emergency medical personnel were already treating the victim in the middle school parking lot.
According to investigators, she suffered several serious injuries, including:
- A broken jaw
- A broken leg
- A hematoma to the head
She was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
Police have not released additional information about her recovery.
Investigation Continues
Rajena Linson has been charged with assault with intent to murder in connection with the attack.
Authorities have not announced whether the alleged accomplice has been arrested or identified, and police have not said whether additional charges are expected.
The investigation remains ongoing as detectives continue working to determine all of the circumstances surrounding the 2022 assault.
As with all criminal cases, the allegations against Linson remain accusations, and she is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
