Suspect in Michigan airport knife attack tried to buy gun

The man charged in the attack on an airport police officer in Flint, Mich. on Wednesday tried to buy a gun, but was turned down, say authorities leading the joint U.S.-Canadian investigation.

Ftouhi, who is 49years old and aresident of Montreal, entered New York state from Quebec on June 16 before making his way to Flint, which is about 80 km northwest of Detroit.

• Canadian named as suspect in Michigan airport knife attack

He eventually made his way to Bishop International Airport in Flint, where he attacked an airport police officer, stabbing him in the neck before being taken down by several other officers and arrested.

Evidence from the Ftouhi's vehicle, found in the parking lot at the airport, indicates he was in Michigan as early as June 18, according toDavid Gelios, special agent in charge of the FBI's Detroit division.

"I think it's a good news story that we had an individual who attempted to buy gun in the United States and was unsuccessful," Geliossaid, during a news conference Thursday afternoon.

Ftouhi, if found guilty for committing violence at an airport, could face up to 20 years in prison, explainedDan Lemisch, acting U.S. Attorney eastern district.

Michigan State Police Lt. Mike Shaw identified the officer who was stabbed as Lt. Jeff Neville with the airport police. Shaw saidNeville fought his attacker "to the end," managing to stop the stabbing and bringFtouhito the ground as otherofficers arrived to help.