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.
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 1:30 PM EDT2013-05-23 17:30:30 GMT
The incident forcing the partial evacuation of Detroit Metropolitan Airport for hours one day last month was triggered by law enforcement officials' belief that they'd found an improvised explosive device in luggage.
The incident forcing the partial evacuation of Detroit Metropolitan Airport for hours one day last month was triggered by law enforcement officials' belief that they'd found an improvised explosive device in luggage.
Thursday, May 23 2013 12:28 PM EDT2013-05-23 16:28:22 GMT
One week after appearing via satellite on the American Idol season finale the Queen of Soul has rescheduled next month's planned performance at the DTE Energy Music Theatre.
One week after appearing via satellite on the American Idol season finale the Queen of Soul has rescheduled next month's planned performance at the DTE Energy Music Theatre.
Thursday, May 23 2013 11:48 AM EDT2013-05-23 15:48:50 GMT
Former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick is dropping his longtime lawyer. Kilpatrick told a judge Thursday that his relationship with James Thomas deteriorated long before his conviction.
Former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick is dropping his longtime lawyer. Kilpatrick told a judge Thursday that his relationship with James Thomas deteriorated long before his conviction two months ago on corruption charges.
Thursday, May 23 2013 10:59 AM EDT2013-05-23 14:59:53 GMT
Bugs are important to our environment and can even tell us about our water quality. That's why dozens on local students have been taking part in bug hunts.
Bugs are important to our environment and can even tell us about our water quality. That's why dozens on local students have been taking part in bug hunts.
Thursday, May 23 2013 7:58 AM EDT2013-05-23 11:58:41 GMT
New U.S. Census Bureau estimates say Detroit's population remained just above 700,000 last year. The figures show Detroit lost residents between 2011 and 2012, but the decline was at a slower pace than in previous years.
New U.S. Census Bureau estimates say Detroit's population remained just above 700,000 last year. The figures show Detroit lost residents between 2011 and 2012, but the decline was at a slower pace than in previous years.