George Hunter

The Detroit News

A 39-year-old woman faces at least 20 years in prison after she allegedly threw a firebomb at the Detroit home of a longtime television news anchor who she felt was responsible Detroit’s crime rate.

Police say Kizzy Nickerson on Jan. 29 threw a Molotov cocktail at the Indian Village home of former WDIV Local 4 newscaster Carmen Harlan, who retired in November after 38 years with the station.

When officers searched the woman’s backpack they found several bricks, which she allegedly planned to throw at Harlan’s house, Detroit Police 2nd Deputy Chief Michael Woody said.

“Officers were on patrol when they observed a female with a backpack light a Molotov cocktail and throw it at the house,” Woody said. “They arrested her, and found a bunch of bricks in her backpack.”

Harlan’s home was not hit.

The former news anchor could not be reached for comment Wednesday, and Nickerson’s court-appointed attorney, Catherine O’Meara, did not return a phone call seeking comment.

Nickerson was charged with explosives, placing offensive substance with intent to injure, a 20-year felony. She also was charged with possession of bomb with unlawful intent; explosives, placing offensive substance with intent to alarm; and fourth-degree arson.

Further details about Nickerson’s case are not available on the Wayne County Circuit Court website. Assistant Wayne County Prosecutor Maria Miller said 36th District Judge Kenneth King sealed the case. Miller declined further comment.

It was unclear why King, who could not be reached Wednesday, sealed the case.

Nickerson spent more than five years in prison after being convicted in 2005 of two counts of retail fraud and assaulting a police officer. According to court records, she originally had been given probation for the retail fraud, but was sent to prison two months later after violating the terms of her probation.

ghunter@detroitnews.com

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Twitter: @GeorgeHunter_DN