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
November 22, 2024
Warren Police Officer Arraigned on Manslaughter Charges in Connection with Vehicle Crash
Mount Clemens, MI - A 28-year-old Warren Police Officer was arraigned in connection with a vehicle crash near Schoenherr Rd. and Prospect while driving his police vehicle.
It is alleged that on Monday, September 30, 2024, Warren Police Officer James Burke was driving his patrol vehicle at a high rate of speed without his emergency lights or siren on when he struck another vehicle. Burke’s partner was injured in the crash and 34-year-old Cedric Hayden, Jr. and 33-year-old Dejuan Pettis were killed. The Macomb County Sheriff’s Office investigated the incident and presented a warrant request to the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office on Wednesday, November 20, 2024. After a thorough review, the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office issued charges on Thursday, November 21, 2024.
Officer Burke was charged with two counts of Manslaughter with a Motor Vehicle, 15-year felonies, one count of Moving Violation Causing Serious Impairment of a Body Function, a 93-day misdemeanor and Public Officers - Wilful Neglect of Duty, a one year misdemeanor. Today, he was arraigned in 37th Warren District Court where District Court Judge Michael Chupa gave him a $100,000 personal bond. Upon release, the Defendant is not permitted to leave the state, and if he returns to law enforcement duties he cannot operate a government vehicle, conduct patrol, or otherwise act in a patrol officer capacity. A Probable Cause Hearing is scheduled for Thursday, December 5, 2024 at 9:30am and a Preliminary Exam is scheduled for Thursday, December 12, 2024 at 9:30am by Warren District Court Chief Judge John Chmura.
“While police officers often face challenging and fast-moving situations, the decision to drive at high speeds without lights or sirens undermines the safeguards meant to protect everyone on the road. Our thoughts are with the victims' families, and we remain committed to pursuing justice in this matter," 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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