Roseville man charged after alleged Eastpointe police chase crash
A 34-year-old man faces four felony charges after prosecutors say he hit a patrol car during a police chase.
The Macomb County Prosecutor's Office said Eastpointe officers tried to stop Demarco Jeremiah Vines around 2:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 6. The pursuit followed a reported assault in Roseville.
Prosecutors allege Vines drove into oncoming traffic toward a police sergeant, then hit and disabled another officer's patrol car near Gratiot Avenue. Another officer used a police vehicle to disable Vines' car near Eight Mile Road and Gratiot Avenue. Vines then ran while carrying a knife before Warren officers arrested him, prosecutors said.
Vines was arraigned Friday in 38th District Court in Eastpointe on two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and one count each of third-degree fleeing and eluding and assaulting, resisting or obstructing a police officer.
Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido said in a statement, “Fleeing from law enforcement is a dangerous and reckless act that puts officers and the public at risk.” He called for mandatory prison time for people who flee police and endanger lives.
The court set bond at $750,000 cash or surety. Release conditions include house arrest, GPS monitoring and a ban on driving. A probable cause conference is scheduled for Nov. 17, followed by a preliminary examination Nov. 24. The charges remain allegations.
What makes fleeing police a third-degree felony in Michigan?
Michigan's fleeing and eluding law prohibits a driver from willfully fleeing after a uniformed officer, acting in the lawful performance of duty in an identified official police vehicle, signals the driver to stop.
A collision can make the offense third-degree fleeing and eluding even if nobody is injured. Other triggers include fleeing in an area with a speed limit of 35 mph or less or having a qualifying prior fleeing conviction. Third-degree fleeing and eluding carries up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $5,000 or both. More serious circumstances can support a higher-degree charge.
Criminal charges concern punishment for an alleged offense. A separate injury claim requires its own proof of civil liability, as Michigan Legal Center explains in its discussion of police chase crashes in Michigan.
Get help from Michigan Legal Center
Michigan Legal Center: the Law Offices of Christopher J. Trainor & Associates handles car accident injury and police misconduct claims.
If you were injured in a police pursuit, contact Michigan Legal Center to ask about possible injury or civil rights claims.
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