Clinton Township man arraigned on a litany of charges after alleged crime spree

Mount Clemens, MI – Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido announced that 53-year-old Joel Masching, of Clinton Township, was arraigned on a litany of charges after an alleged crime spree that took place over several days and ended with a wrong-way crash on I-94 in Detroit.

It is alleged that on January 11, 2026, Masching assaulted a woman. Later the same day, he broke into her residence and assaulted her again. A call was placed to the police and Masching allegedly fled.

On Friday, January 16, 2026, it is alleged that the woman reported Masching was calling her repeatedly and driving across her lawn. Warren Police located him at 10 Mile Road and Schoenherr. Officers attempted a traffic stop with emergency lights and sirens activated; however, Masching allegedly disregarded the officers and fled. A high-speed pursuit ensued, which authorities discontinued near 9 Mile Road and I-94.

Two days later, on Sunday, January 18, 2026, officers located Masching at 11 Mile and Schoenherr. Officers in marked patrol vehicles attempted to box in Masching’s vehicle. He allegedly backed into a police vehicle and then accelerated forward, forcing an officer who was outside his patrol unit to move out of the vehicle’s path to avoid being struck. Officers pursued Masching through Warren and into Detroit, when he allegedly disregarded traffic control devices. Masching is further alleged to have driven the wrong way on Conner Avenue and entered the eastbound I-94 exit ramp, where he crashed into vehicles exiting the freeway.

It is further alleged that a search of Masching’s vehicle uncovered crack cocaine, Methamphetamine, Fentanyl, Ecstasy, Alprazolam, psychedelic mushrooms, along with scales and vials consistent with drug distribution. Subsequent investigation allegedly resulted in the execution of search warrants, leading to the discovery of additional controlled substances at a residence in Clinton Township and at a business in Fraser.

On Tuesday, January 20, 2026, Masching was arraigned before Judge Suzanne Faunce in the 37th District Court in Warren, MI on the following charges:

Count 1: Controlled Substance – Delivery/manufacture – Methamphetamine/ecstasy, a 20-year felony

Count 2: Controlled Substance – Delivery/manufacture – Methamphetamine, a 20-year felony

Count 3: Controlled Substance – Delivery/manufacture – (Cocaine, Heroin or other Narcotic) Less than 50 Grams, a 20-year felony

Count 4: Controlled Substance – Delivery/manufacture – (Cocaine, Heroin or other Narcotic) Less than 50 Grams, a 20-year felony

Count 5: Home Invasion – 2nd Degree, a 15-year felony

Count 6: Police Officer – Fleeing - Third Degree – Vehicle Code, a 5-year felony

Count 7: Police Officer – Fleeing - Fourth Degree – Vehicle Code, a 2-year felony

Count 8: Police Officer – Assaulting/Resisting/Obstructing, a 2-year felony

Count 9: Domestic Violence – Second Offense Notice, a 1-year misdemeanor

Count 10: Habitual Offender, 2nd Offense Notice, an aggravating sentencing factor

Additional charges may be forthcoming.

Judge Faunce set Masching’ bond at $200,000 cash/surety. If released, he must wear a steel cuff GPS tether, consume no drugs/alcohol and have no contact with the victim. Masching is scheduled for a Probable Cause Conference on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at 8:45 a.m., before Judge Michael Chupa at the 37th District Court in Warren, MI. 

“The conduct alleged in this case reflects an adult who was completely out of control and making reckless decisions that put a victim, law enforcement, and the public at risk. The allegations suggest volatile and dangerous behavior and a profound disregard for the safety of others and the rule of law. Outrageous actions that threaten our community will not be tolerated in Macomb County, and my office will work to ensure accountability,” 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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