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Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office Denies Charges in Sterling Heights Self Defense Shooting

On Tuesday, March 12, 2024 the Warrant Unit denied charges against the driver of the Durango citing self defense.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Dawn Fraylick
Office: +1 (586) 469-5737                 
Cell: +1 (586) 842-4421                                  
Email: Dawn.Fraylick@macombgov.org

March 12, 2024

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Mount Clemens, MI - On Tuesday, February 27, 2024, a mother and daughter driving in a Jeep Compass followed a woman in a Dodge Durango going to Carrabbas Restaurant located on Schoenherr Road, south of Hall Road in Sterling Heights.

The driver of the Durango stopped at a stop sign in the shopping plaza near Carrabbas. The driver of the Compass stopped directly behind the Durango.  The mother and daughter in the Compass got out of their vehicle and went to the driver’s side of the Durango where the driver was sitting in her vehicle.  The mother and daughter began physically assaulting the driver of the Durango.  A third party bystander attempted to approach the driver of the Durango during the physical assault to give aid.  The Durango driver, in fear for her life, pulled her handgun and shot one time striking both women. The bystander fled once she heard the gunshot.

An eyewitness who called 911 stated: “those two girls tried to attack the shooter…those two girls were beating up on her.”

The shooter has a valid concealed pistol license.  The two women who were shot are recovering from non-life threatening injuries.  

Last week, the Sterling Heights Police Department submitted a warrant request to the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office Warrant Unit for possible charges against the shooter.  On Tuesday, March 12, 2024 the Warrant Unit denied charges against the driver of the Durango citing self defense.

The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office asked for an investigation about potential charges against the two women who were the aggressors in this incident.  Following further investigation, witness interviews, and discussion with the shooter, it was determined no charges would be filed against the two women.

“Denying charges on the ground of self defense is a recognition of the inherent right to protect oneself when faced with imminent danger,” said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido.

The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office represents the people.  We are committed to achieving justice and following the laws of the State of Michigan. All that are accused of a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.