Thomas Nierman talked to Fox 2's Andrea Isom on Thursday. (Credit: WJBK | myFOXDetroit.com)
SOUTHFIELD, Mich. (WJBK) -
"My sexual orientation ... just for someone being gay. It's what makes absolutely no sense to me," Thomas Nierman said on Thursday.
What a difference a day makes. A man who went out of his way to show us his scars, Nierman claimed he was attacked with a knife and slurs were hurled at his face all because he was gay.
Friday, Nierman was a little more camera shy than Thursday. Michigan State Police had been looking for him. The 23-year-old is a sex offender who allegedly did not register at his new address in Detroit. His 2008 criminal sexual conduct conviction involved a person under the age of 13, a conviction that requires him to report as a sex offender everywhere he moves.
We're told he also violated his probation in Macomb County. Fox 2 cameras were on hand as Nierman was brought into the sheriff's department jail.
"He's required to provide certain information on a quarterly basis. He was recently locked up in jail and didn't have all his information up-to-date, so a warrant for a probation violation was issued," said Michigan State Police Trooper Craig Tuer.
The phone started ringing off the hook at Fox 2 as people were watching Andrea Isom's report. They recognized Nierman from the Sex Offender Registry, and so did state police.
"Based on the story information ... it's unfortunate this gentleman was a victim of a crime, but at the same time sometimes somebody who's a criminal or has a warrant also are victims of crime, and that's kind of what led us to him, tracked him down and found his current address where he was at," Tuer said.
Now the question that remains is who beat and cut Nierman and why? Was it really because of his sexual orientation, or was it someone who knew about his criminal background? That investigation will likely slow down while Nierman deals with his own latest run-in with the law.
It is now possible because he appeared on television and state police were able to nab him that Nierman may end up spending the rest of his probation behind bars. That's at least another year. We're told it is also likely that his probation will then be extended even longer.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 6:21 PM EDT2013-05-21 22:21:52 GMT
As people struggle to pick up the pieces in the areas of Oklahoma ravaged by tornadoes, we've learned some relief will be coming from right here in Michigan.
As people struggle to pick up the pieces in the areas of Oklahoma ravaged by tornadoes, we've learned some relief will be coming from right here in Michigan.
Thursday, May 23 2013 8:53 PM EDT2013-05-24 00:53:47 GMT
Anna Bailey was walking back from the gas station Thursday morning when she found 16-year-old Emonte Davis lying in the middle of the sidewalk on Sharon Street. He had been shot in the chest, and she tried to help.
Anna Bailey was walking back from the gas station Thursday morning when she found 16-year-old Emonte Davis lying in the middle of the sidewalk on Sharon Street. He had been shot in the chest, and she tried to help.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:44 PM EDT2013-05-23 03:44:19 GMT
Find out how you can help the victims of Monday's deadly tornado that ripped through the Oklahoma City suburbs, killing two dozen and flattening neighborhoods, schools and businesses.
Find out how you can help the victims of Monday's deadly tornado that ripped through the Oklahoma City suburbs, killing two dozen and flattening neighborhoods, schools and businesses.
Thursday, May 23 2013 8:39 PM EDT2013-05-24 00:39:46 GMT
Army Specialist Jenna Beno bravely fought for our country. Sadly, she died after an attack in Iraq. Thursday, the young soldier was honored during an emotional ceremony in Clarkston.
Army Specialist Jenna Beno bravely fought for our country. Sadly, she died after an attack in Iraq. Thursday, the young soldier was honored during an emotional ceremony in Clarkston.
Thursday, May 23 2013 9:21 PM EDT2013-05-24 01:21:55 GMT
The mountains of petroleum coke along Detroit's riverfront continue to grow. Now lawmakers are saying the stuff has to go as the story gets national attention.
The mountains of petroleum coke along Detroit's riverfront continue to grow. Now lawmakers are saying the stuff has to go as the story gets national attention.
Thursday, May 23 2013 8:53 PM EDT2013-05-24 00:53:47 GMT
Anna Bailey was walking back from the gas station Thursday morning when she found 16-year-old Emonte Davis lying in the middle of the sidewalk on Sharon Street. He had been shot in the chest, and she tried to help.
Anna Bailey was walking back from the gas station Thursday morning when she found 16-year-old Emonte Davis lying in the middle of the sidewalk on Sharon Street. He had been shot in the chest, and she tried to help.
Thursday, May 23 2013 7:38 PM EDT2013-05-23 23:38:56 GMT
Kwame Kilpatrick, now a convicted felon, officially fired his longtime attorney Jim Thomas on Thursday. It's a move that will delay the former mayor's sentencing.
Kwame Kilpatrick, now a convicted felon, officially fired his longtime attorney Jim Thomas on Thursday. It's a move that will delay the former mayor's sentencing.