Kroger Pipe-Beating Suspect to Undergo Mental Exam

A Westland woman facing an attempted murder charge in the Oct. 4 attack on a employee at the Plymouth Township Kroger store will undergo a psychological exam, according to the Plymouth Observer.

Judge James Plakas ordered the exam for Angel Viar, 48, on Friday in 35th District Court in Plymouth, the report said, at the request of defense lawyer David Lankford. Plakas scheduled a Jan. 18 review of the case, the report said. 

Viar faces accusations of striking a 58-year-old Kroger employee, and St. Clair Shores resident, with a pipe inside the Kroger at Ann Arbor Road at Sheldon the morning of Oct. 4. Police recovered a 12-inch steel pipe, the report said. 

The employee suffered a head wound and was treated at St. Mary Mercy Hospital in Lionia and released, the report said. 

Among Viar's charges are:

• One count of assault with intent to murder
• One count of assault to do great bodily harm
• One count of assault with a dangerous weapon

Assault with intent to murder carries a penalty of up to life in prison if the person is convicted, the report said.