FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office
Contact: Dawn Fraylick, Communications Director
Office: +1 (586) 469-5737
Cell: +1 (586) 842-4421
Email: Dawn.Fraylick@macombgov.org
July 2, 2024
Pontiac Man Arraigned on Second Degree Murder Charge for Car Crash While Fleeing Police, Killing One
Mount Clemens, MI - Pontiac resident, James Lamar Hudson, Jr. was arraigned in connection with an alleged traffic crash while fleeing police that killed one and injured three.
It is alleged that on Saturday, June 29, 2024 at around 2:00 am, Warren Officers attempted a traffic stop on three Dodge Chargers driving at a high rate of speed on 8 Mile Road. One of the Dodge Chargers pulled over, the other two Dodge Chargers fled, leading Warren Police Officers on a high speed chase. During the chase, the second Charger driven by James Lamar Hudson Jr., crashed into a Jeep Cherokee, killing the passenger, 42-year-old Katrina Michael and seriously injuring the driver. Hudson and two passengers from the Dodge Charger were also seriously injured during the crash. The third Dodge Charger fled. The investigation is still ongoing.
James Lamar Hudson, Jr., age 26, was charged and arraigned on the following:
Count 1: Second Degree Murder, a life felony
Count 2: Fleeing a Police Officer in the First Degree, a 15 year felony
Count 3: Fleeing a Police Officer in the Second Degree, a ten year felony
Count 4: Fleeing a Police Officer in the Second Degree, a ten year felony
Count 5: Fleeing a Police Officer in the Second Degree, a ten year felony
Count 6: Reckless Driving Causing Serious Impairment of Body Function, a five year felony
Count 7: Reckless Driving Causing Serious Impairment of Body Function, a five year felony
Count 8: Reckless Driving Causing Serious Impairment of Body Function, a five year felony
Hudson was arraigned in Warren 37th District Court where District Court Judge Michael Chupa set Hudson’s bond at $1 million cash/surety only, and if released he must wear a steel cuff GPS tether. A Probable Cause Hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, July 16, 2024 at 8:45 am and a Preliminary Exam is scheduled for Tuesday, July 23, 2024 at 8:45 am.
“This incident shows the severe consequences of reckless behavior and fleeing from law enforcement. A precious life has been lost and three others injured due to the senseless action of this individual. We will pursue justice for the victims and their families, ensuring that the perpetrator is held accountable for these crimes," 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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