BATTLE CREEK, MI 9WTVB) – An Albion man charged with attempting to firebomb a Consumers Energy substation in Battle Creek in June has been ordered to undergo a mental exam to determine if he is competent to stand trial.
36 year old Joshua Buchanan not only has a long criminal history, but he also has a history of psychiatric problems and treatment.
He is charged with tossing plastic gas cans over the fence at the Elm Street Substation. Police say when the fuse on the cans fizzled, he tried lighting the cans by flicking lit cigarettes at them. They failed to ignite.
The charges include attempted arson and placing explosives at a vulnerable target, trespassing and attempted vandalism at a public utility.
Buchanan has been held on a $500,000 bond because as a repeat offender, he faces up to life if convicted again.
