Clinton Township man arraigned on felony fleeing, shoplifting, charged as habitual fourth

Mount Clemens, MI – Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido announced that 25-year-old Jaelon Jones, of Clinton Township, was arraigned today on charges allegedly stemming from a shoplifting case that escalated to fleeing a police officer.

It is alleged that on March 28, 2026, Jones allegedly entered a Meijer store and selected merchandise valued at approximately $1,936.04. It is alleged that Jones exited the store without paying for the items. Jones then fled the scene in a black Jeep as a marked patrol unit attempted to initiate a stop with emergency lights and sirens activated. The vehicle allegedly accelerated away, disregarding at least two traffic control signals during the pursuit. The vehicle subsequently crashed, after which Jones fled on foot. It is further alleged that items recovered from the vehicle included the allegedly stolen merchandise and a police scanner.

On Wednesday, April 29, 2026, Jones was arraigned before Magistrate Ryan Zemke in the 41B District Court in Clinton Township, MI. Jones is charged with the following:

• Police Officer – Fleeing – Third Degree – Vehicle Code, a five-year felony
• Retail Fraud – First-Degree, a five-year felony
• Police Radio Receivers/Scanners – Use in the Commission of a Felony, a two-year felony
• Police Radio Receivers/Scanners – Possession by a Felon, a one-year misdemeanor
• Habitual Offender – Fourth Offender Notice, an aggravating sentencing factor that may result in a sentence of life in prison 

These are the maximum charges available under the law based on the evidence presented to date.

Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Christopher Petrides argued that, given the nature of the charges and the risk posed to the community, bond should be set at $200,000 cash/surety with no 10 percent provision. Magistrate Zemke agreed with the bond amount but permitted the 10 percent option.

If Jones is able to post bond and is released, he will be subject to conditions including electronic monitoring via tether, no contact with any witnesses, a prohibition on entering any Meijer locations, and a ban on possessing weapons.

Jones is scheduled for a Probable Cause Conference before Judge Carrie L. Fuca at the 41B District Court on Monday, May 11, 2026, at 1:00 p.m.

“The charges in this stem from serious allegations involving First-Degree retail theft and a subsequent attempt to evade law enforcement. Running from the police poses a risk to public safety and I will not tolerate such behavior in Macomb County. My office will be prosecuting this case with the seriousness it deserves,” said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido.

Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Christopher Petrides represented the People at the arraignment. 

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 individuals who are accused of a crime are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

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