Mount Clemens, MI – Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido announced that 53-year-old Joel Masching, of Clinton Township, was arraigned on a fleeing and eluding charge for an alleged incident that occurred in November 2025.
The charge arises from the following allegations: On November 26, 2025, while traveling northbound on Schoenherr, a Warren police officer in a fully marked vehicle activated the lights to initiate a traffic stop on a green Mercedes for a speeding violation. The driver ignored the officer’s signals and accelerated. The officer then activated the siren, but the driver rapidly accelerated north on Schoenherr through 14 Mile Road while turning off his vehicle’s lights. The officer subsequently abandoned the pursuit due to excessive speeds.
It is further alleged that records indicate the Mercedes involved is registered to Masching. Following a search warrant, the vehicle was located in Masching’s garage, and Masching’s phone records allegedly corroborate the route taken during the incident.
On Monday, February 9, 2026, Masching was arraigned before Judge John Chmura in the 37th District Court in Warren, MI on the following charges:
Count 1: Police Officer – Fleeing - Fourth Degree – Vehicle Code, a 2-year felony
Count 2: Habitual Offender, 2nd Offense Notice, an aggravating sentencing factor
Judge Chmura set Masching’s bond at $50,000 cash/surety only. If released, he must wear a GPS tether. Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Dale VandeVrede argued that, if Masching is released, he should be subject to home confinement. However, Judge Chmura declined to include that in his order.
Masching is scheduled for a Probable Cause Conference on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, and a Preliminary Exam on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, both at 8:45 a.m. before Judge Michael Chupa at the 37th District Court in Warren, MI.
“Fleeing and eluding law enforcement is a serious problem. The allegations suggest an extreme risk to innocent drivers, pedestrians, and officers who are simply doing their jobs. That is why I am calling for mandatory minimum jail sentences for those convicted, to hold offenders accountable and protect public safety,” 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.
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Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office
Contact: Esther E. Wolfe, Communications Director
Office: 586-469-5737
Cell: 586-842-4421
Email: esther.wolfe@macombgov.org
