Troy – A 21-year-old Shelby Township man, who police say shot his former friend in the parking deck of an Oakland County hospital after not receiving an invitation to a family-only funeral viewing, has been charged with Assault with Intent to Murder and faces life in prison if convicted.
Oakland County prosecutors also charged Robert Paljusevic with Felony Firearm and Carrying a Concealed Weapon in connection with the shooting on Thursday, March 20th, which forced Corewell Health Beaumont Troy Hospital to lock down.
The 25-year-old victim, who worked at Corewell alongside Robert Paljusevic, was struck in the arm and shoulder, according to police.
According to investigators, Paljusevic allegedly fired seven shots at the victim’s car as he drove out of the hospital parking deck on Dequindre near M-59 after his shift. Officers arrived and found multiple bullet holes in the windshield.
“Several shell casings were on the ground, and a blood trail was observed leading toward the hospital,” Troy Police Department Detective Carlo Pizzorni said during the arraignment.
He said that federal, local, and state law enforcement agencies responded to search the hospital.
According to police, the defendant fled the scene while doctors treated the victim in the ER. Within a few hours of the shooting, Macomb County Sheriff’s deputies arrested the defendant in his home.
Pizzorni stated that the victim and defendant would frequently hang out together after their shifts at the hospital.
He claimed the defendant turned against the victim after the victim’s father died in January of this year. The defendant became enraged when he was not invited to the private, family-only viewing.
“The defendant had made a comment to the victim– if I do see you outside, in public, don’t be surprised if something happens…” Pizzorni explained.
According to Pizzorni, the victim described Paljusevic as a “Jekyll and Hyde” with a “cloud hanging over him, and always a fear of what he might do.”
According to Pizzorni, the victim’s mother described the defendant as “highly possessive” of him.
Palsujevic’s lawyer told the court that Paljusevic lives with his sister and has worked for the hospital for about two years, and that his only previous legal trouble was for public intoxication.
The judge denied his bond. He remains in the Oakland County Jail.
“We are grateful that the victim appears to be recovering from his injury, but no one should have to fear workplace violence,” Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald said. “This incident sent the hospital into a lockdown, put local schools on alert, and terrified an entire community…”
Paljusevic’s counsel entered a not guilty plea on his behalf.
The Assault with Intent to Murder charge carries a maximum sentence of life in prison.
He is due back in court on March 31st.
