Stabbing closes JNAP (update 2)

Chrysler’s Jefferson North plant, which produces the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango, was shut down today due to a reportedly fatal stabbing in the morning. The plant, which has nearly three thousand employees,  is “on lockdown,” according to news reports.

The report was posted at Allpar at 9:10 am, and brief reports have been aired on local broadcast stations since. According to Allpar’s “Longtimejeep,” the victim has been confirmed dead, and arriving workers have been sent home.

11:20 am update: Both employees appear to be hourly workers, and the stabbing took place on the morning shift’s first break. The prime suspect appears to have been found on Belle Isle after attempting to (and possibly successfully) committing suicide using a gun. The police are investigating.

12:20 pm update: Detroit Police say the suspect in the fatal stabbing at JNAP has been found dead of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Sgt. Alan Quinn told reporters the police officers found the suspect’s body in a red Jeep Wrangler on Belle Isle.

More details of the incident have been released.

According to the Detroit News, a Chrysler worker said the victim walked up to the suspect, whispered something into his ear and then the suspect stabbed him before jumping on a bloody forklift.

Workers said the suspect had been previously fired for fighting inside the plant but had regained employment there.

Chrysler Group released a statement a few hours after the fatal stabbing.

“Chrysler Group is deeply saddened by events that occurred at its Jefferson North Assembly Plant this morning. Two employees were involved in an altercation inside the plant. One employee was stabbed and unfortunately pronounced dead at the scene.

“The Detroit Police Department is currently investigating. Production has been suspended for this morning and employees are being released.”

Chrysler will hold a press conference at 1:00 pm (Eastern) to provide details.