GARDEN CITY — A 34-year-old Arab American man from Dearborn, identified as Ali Al-Shimary, is facing eight felony charges — including attempted murder and arson — after allegedly setting fire to a massage center in Garden City while two women were inside.

The incident occurred around 11:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 8, when Garden City Police and Fire Departments responded to reports of a fire at Accura Care Massage, located at 6561 Middlebelt Road, across from Garden City High School.

Upon arrival, first responders found heavy smoke and flames pouring from the building. One woman emerged with visible burns and signs of smoke inhalation, informing authorities that another woman was still trapped inside. Firefighters quickly located and rescued the second woman and both were transported to Garden City Hospital for treatment.

Investigators identified Al-Shimary as the suspect the following day and arrested him at his residence in Dearborn. According to detectives, the fire was intentionally set in multiple areas of the business following a dispute with staff.

Al-Shimary was arraigned via video before a Garden City judge on April 10. He faces charges of attempted murder, first-degree arson, unlawful imprisonment and assault with intent to cause great bodily harm. Attempted murder and arson are punishable by life in prison, while the other charges carry potential sentences of up to 15 and 10 years, respectively.

During the arraignment, Lieutenant Micah Hull testified that Al-Shimary had arrived at the massage center intoxicated shortly before closing. He allegedly made an “unreasonable request” to one of the massage therapists, which was firmly denied. Enraged, Al-Shimary reportedly vandalized property inside the center, locked both women in the laundry room, stole $50 from the cash register and then set the building on fire.

Due to what the court described as the “clear irrationality” of the suspect’s actions, the judge ordered a $500,000 cash-only bond and required Al-Shimary to wear an electronic tether if released.

Al-Shimary is currently being held at the Wayne County Jail and is scheduled to appear again in Garden City District Court on April 21 and April 28 before the case is likely transferred to the Wayne County Circuit Court.