By BOB OLIVER
Times-Herald Newspapers
DEARBORN — The preliminary examination of the evidence against the resident accused of firing a handgun in a dental office last month has been adjourned while the man undergoes a competency exam.
Jihad Catrib, 73, is charged with assault with intent to murder, assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder, carrying a concealed weapon, carrying a concealed weapon with unlawful intent, felonious assault, discharging of a firearm in a building and felony firearm after allegedly bringing a firearm into Advanced Dental Clinic, 14639 Ford Road, and firing it Aug. 28.
Catrib appeared for a preliminary exam Sept. 5 but the hearing was adjourned by 19th District Court Judge Mark Somers at the request of defense attorney Ronald Weitzman, who asked for the competency exam for criminal responsibility.
Calls to Weitzman were not returned by press time.
No new date for the preliminary exam has been set and bond was continued by Somers at $1 million cash or surety. Catrib remains in police custody.
Police were called to Advanced Dental Clinic at 9:10 a.m. for a report of shots fired and arrived to find Catrib disarmed and inside the building.
Employees told police Catrib entered the billing area of the dental office and argued over previously disputed dental charges.
Catrib then drew a pistol and threatened the resident dentist, but a dental employee grabbed him and wrestled with him until additional employees helped subdue him.
During the altercation the pistol was fired once but no one sustained injuries.
Police took Catrib into custody without incident at the scene.
(Bob Oliver can be reached at [email protected].)