Florida Man Sentenced to 25-40 Years for Sault Ste. Marie Police Station Arson

James Itani pleaded no contest to terrorism, arson, and assault charges related to the 2023 attack on Michigan State Police vehicles.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 9:04pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a charred and twisted police vehicle part, lit by a harsh camera flash against a pitch-black background, conveying a stark, gritty, and investigative aesthetic without depicting any violence or victims.The aftermath of a brazen arson attack on a Michigan State Police post exposes the dangerous reality of domestic terrorism targeting law enforcement.Sault Ste. Marie Today

James Itani, a 41-year-old Florida man, was sentenced to 25 to 40 years in prison for setting multiple Michigan State Police patrol vehicles on fire and shooting at them with a rifle at the Sault Ste. Marie police station in September 2023. Itani pleaded no contest to charges of terrorism, third-degree arson, and assault with intent to murder.

Why it matters

The attack on the Sault Ste. Marie police station raised concerns about the threat of domestic terrorism and the safety of law enforcement in the region. The lengthy prison sentence reflects the severity of Itani's crimes and the state's efforts to crack down on violence against police.

The details

In September 2023, Itani set multiple Michigan State Police patrol vehicles on fire and shot at them with a rifle at the Sault Ste. Marie police station. The following day, police executed a search warrant at a location on Riverside Drive in Sault Ste. Marie, where Itani fired a gun at troopers, though no one was injured. Itani was initially charged with 17 counts, including multiple charges of assault with intent to murder and weapons-related offenses, but a plea deal reduced the charges to terrorism, third-degree arson, and one count of assault with intent to murder.

  • On September 6, 2023, Itani set multiple Michigan State Police patrol vehicles on fire and shot at them with a rifle at the Sault Ste. Marie police station.
  • The following day, on September 7, 2023, police executed a search warrant at a location on Riverside Drive in Sault Ste. Marie, where Itani fired a gun at troopers.

The players

James Itani

A 41-year-old man from Orlando, Florida, who was charged with terrorism, third-degree arson, and assault with intent to murder for the attack on the Michigan State Police station in Sault Ste. Marie.

Michigan State Police

The law enforcement agency whose patrol vehicles were targeted in the arson and shooting attack in Sault Ste. Marie.

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What they’re saying

“This sentence reflects the severity of the crimes committed and the state's commitment to protecting our law enforcement officers and the communities they serve.”

— Chippewa County Prosecutor

What’s next

Itani will serve 25 to 40 years in prison, with credit for 935 days already spent behind bars.

The takeaway

The attack on the Sault Ste. Marie police station highlights the ongoing threat of domestic terrorism and the importance of strong law enforcement protections, as well as the need for continued vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement and the community to address such incidents.