Mount Clemens, MI - Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido announced that Matthew Gonzales, a 45-year-old Warren man, was arraigned on multiple charges after allegedly stealing a vehicle and trailer from Warren Mott High School in Warren, MI and fleeing from police.
It is alleged that on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at approximately 1 pm an employee of Warren Consolidated Schools (WCS) was working at Warren Mott High School using a 2024 Chevrolet Silverado and trailer with three lawn mowers, a chainsaw, and a backpack blower, all belonging to WCS. The employee saw someone enter and drive away the vehicle and trailer. Warren police located the vehicle on Mound and attempted to stop the vehicle with flashing lights and siren. The driver did not stop and was pursued to Mount Elliott and E. Lantz in Detroit. The driver was identified as Matthew Gonzalez and arrested.
On Wednesday, July 30, 2025, Gonzales was arraigned in the 37th District Court in Warren, MI before Judge Steven Bieda on the following charges:
- Larceny - $20,000 or more, a 10-year felony
- Motor Vehicle – Unlawful Driving Away, a 5-year felony
- Police Officer – Fleeing – Third Degree – Penal Code, a 5-year felony
- Operating – License Suspended, Revoked, Denied/Allowing Suspended Person to Operate – Second or Subsequent Offense Notice, a 1-year misdemeanor
These are the maximum charges available under the law based upon the evidence presented to date.
Judge Bieda set a $1,000,000 cash/surety bond and Gonzales must receive a substance abuse evaluation. If released, he must wear a steel cuff tether and submit to random drug testing. A Probable Cause Conference is scheduled for Tuesday, August 12, 2025 at 8:45 am, and a Preliminary Exam for Tuesday, August 19, 2025 both before Judge Michael Chupa at the 37th District Court in Warren, MI.
"Stealing a truck and trailer from a school in broad daylight is a serious offense, made worse by the suspect’s decision to flee from police. This reckless behavior endangered the public and showed a clear disregard for the law and community safety. Our office will pursue appropriate charges. We’re committed to ensuring accountability and thank local officers for their swift response," said Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido.
Prosecutor Lucido is actively calling on Michigan lawmakers to come together in support of strong, bipartisan legislation to address the growing public safety threat of drivers who refuse to stop for law enforcement.
The Michigan House is now taking up a bill that would impose tougher penalties on those who refuse to stop for police.
“Every time someone runs, they roll the dice with innocent lives. I want to end that gamble,” Prosecutor Lucido said. “We need statutory enhancement of consequences including mandatory prison time. The people of the state of Michigan deserve to be protected.”
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 Wolfe, Communications Director
Office: 586-469-5737
Cell: 586-842-4421
Email: esther.wolfe@macombgov.org
