Clinton Twp. man allegedly strangled landlord, swiped $17K ring

Clinton Township — A Clinton Township man is accused of assaulting and robbing his 27-year-old landlord at her home earlier this month, police said Monday.

Shane David Fountain, 48, is accused of strangling and tying up the woman and leaving her in a garage on April 2, according to authorities. 

Police said the victim faked being unconscious and Fountain allegedly took her $17,000 wedding ring before fleeing. He was arrested by Amtrak police at a train station in Washington, D.C., on April 10 on his way to Florida. 

Officials said Fountain waived extradition and was returned to Michigan by Clinton Township police. 

The Macomb County Prosecutor's Office authorized three felony charges: unarmed assault with intent to rob, a 15-year-felony; assault with intent to do great bodily harm by strangulation, a 10-year felony; and unlawful imprisonment, a 15-year felony.

Fountain was arraigned in 41-B District Court Monday afternoon before Magistrate Ryan Zemke who issued a $100,000 cash/surety only bond.

On April 2, Fountain allegedly asked his landlord to open the garage for him and then began choking the woman from behind, while saying "Sorry. This will be over soon," according to a statement from Prosecutor Eric Smith's office. 

The woman pretended to lose consciousness. The suspect then used duct tape to bind her hands behind her back and put tape over her mouth. He also used tape to tie her ankles together, the prosecutor said. 

He took the woman's cell phone and diamond engagement ring from her pocket, Smith said.  

After the suspect left, the victim used the metal edge of a shovel to cut herself loose. She ran inside and screamed for help from her other roommates, police said. 

Her fiance took her to McLaren hospital.  

The ring was pawned for $3,000 at Zeidman's Jewelry and Loan pawn shop  in Detroit, and recovered by police. 

cramirez@detroitnews.com
Twitter: @CharlesERamirez