By Jim Bloch
Law enforcement officials arrested a 26-year-old Shelby Township man after he allegedly stabbed another man during the annual Raft Off on Lake St. Clair’s Muscamoot Bay.
“A record number of people and boats turned out to Muscamoot Bay on Saturday (Aug. 8),” according to a St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office post on Facebook. “Multiple fights broke out as the day went on, including one involving a knife. After a disagreement, a 21-year-old male was stabbed.”
Deputies took Salem Asmar into custody.
“Asmar was arraigned after being charged with Assault with Intent to do Great Bodily Harm Less Than Murder this afternoon in 72nd District Court,” the Sheriff’s Office said. “Bond was set at $100,000 cash/surety.”
The event appeared to begin peacefully but tipped into violence as the day progressed.
“While many enjoyed the warm weather and company, others took the opportunity to overindulge and behave irresponsibly,” the post said. “Over 50 individuals were left stranded when they failed to return with the party they arrived with.”
It was not Asmar’s first confrontation with the law.
“Asmar has a lengthy criminal history that includes multiple assault charges, including one involving a firearm,” reported WXYZ-TV Channel 7. “Most recently, in January, he was arrested in connection with a break-in at a marijuana dispensary in Hazel Park. While fleeing police during a high-speed chase, he allegedly crashed into a police vehicle. The following day, he posted a $100,000 bond. He was due back in court for that case at the same time as Monday’s arraignment.”
Muscamoot Bay is a shallow, warm, sandy bay just off Harsen’s Island in northeastern Lake St. Clair. It lays between the Middle and South channels at the southern tip of the island.
Known as Lake St. Clair’s “Biggest Boating Party,” pleasure boats tie up side-by-side, creating “floating rows where people move from boat to boat, meet new people, and take part in a full day of summer energy on the water,” according to muscamoot-bay.com.
“There are no tickets, no gates, and no formal setup. Just show up, anchor, and be part of it.”
Sheriff Matt King warned about the consequences of maritime violence.
“We welcome all to come enjoy Lake St. Clair, but violence is not something that will be tolerated on the water,” said King in a statement. “Our Marine Deputies take safety seriously and those who are behaving irresponsibly or are breaking the law, will face consequences.”
Jim Bloch is a freelance writer based in St. Clair, Michigan. Contact him at bloch.jim@gmail.com.
