SOUTHFIELD, MI – Moss & Colella, P.C. announced today the filing of a civil lawsuit on behalf of Tarran Ladon Allen, a 48-year-old Harper Woods resident who suffered severe, life-threatening injuries after being violently attacked with a knife while shopping at a Lowe's home improvement store in November 2024.

The complaint, filed in the Wayne County Circuit Court, arises from a shocking incident that occurred on November 1, 2024, at the Lowe's store located at 19670 Vernier Road in Harper Woods. Mr. Allen was brutally attacked by Ricardo Sean Lee, a contract maintenance employee working at the store, who without provocation pulled a folding knife and slashed Mr. Allen's face and neck.

Devastating Injuries Requiring Emergency Intervention

The unprovoked assault left Mr. Allen with a severe laceration to the right side of his face that severed an artery, causing massive bleeding and blood to fill his lungs. He was rushed to Ascension St. John Hospital where he required emergency treatment and was admitted to the intensive care unit in critical condition. The attack has left Mr. Allen with permanent scarring and ongoing medical complications.

Surveillance video captured the entire attack, showing the defendant suddenly exiting the floor-cleaning machine he was operating, producing a knife, and lunging at Mr. Allen before chasing him through multiple store aisles.

“Terrifying” Experience, says Attorney A. Vince Colella

"This was a terrifying and completely unprovoked attack on an innocent customer who was simply shopping for home improvement supplies," said Vince Colella, Managing Partner of Moss & Colella, P.C., who is representing Mr. Allen. "Our client suffered catastrophic injuries that have forever changed his life, and we intend to hold all responsible parties fully accountable."

Colella, recognized as a 2025 Best Lawyer and longtime Michigan Super Lawyer, brings decades of experience handling complex, high-profile personal injury and civil rights cases. As Managing Partner of Moss & Colella, P.C., a premier Southfield-based firm specializing in catastrophic personal injury, premises liability, and civil rights litigation, Colella has successfully represented numerous clients in cases involving serious injuries and corporate negligence.

"My firm has extensive experience handling cases where individuals have been seriously injured due to inadequate security, negligent hiring practices, and failures to protect customers," Colella added.

Attacker Convicted and Imprisoned

Ricardo Sean Lee pled guilty to Assault with Intent to Do Great Bodily Harm Less Than Murder and is currently serving 5 to 10 years in the Michigan Department of Corrections. Lee's earliest possible release date is in 2030, with a maximum sentence expiring on May 11, 2035.

"While the criminal conviction provides some measure of accountability, it does nothing to compensate Mr. Allen for his extensive medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and permanent disfigurement," Colella stated. "This civil action seeks to ensure that Mr. Allen receives full compensation for the devastating harm he has endured."

About Moss & Colella

Celebrating more than 28 years, Moss & Colella represents the victims of personal injury, civil rights violations, discrimination, medical malpractice and wrongful death. The firm is recognized as a leader in complex tort litigation, including excess and deadly force, jail death, sexual abuse and harassment, auto and truck accidents, motorcycle accidents and other severe injury and wrongful death claims. To learn more about the firm and its diverse areas of practice, visit www.mosscolella.com.