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Officer charged in deadly Warren crash

Press Release

Mount Clemens, MI – Monday, September 30, 2024, at approximately 5:00AM,a white Dodge Durango and a Warren police cruiser were involved in a crash on Schoenherr Road at Prospect Avenue in Warren. The Macomb County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) was immediately requested to conduct an independent investigation. 

Per the MCSO investigation, the Warren police cruiser was traveling southbound on Schoenherr at a high rate of speed when it struck the Durango which was turning west/left onto Prospect Avenue. The Durango had been traveling northbound on Schoenherr prior to making the turn. 

The driver and passenger of the Durango, 34-year-old Cedric Hayden, Jr., and 33-year-old DeJuan Pettis, were pronounced deceased. Both Warren officers, driver James Burke, 28-years-old, and his 34-year-old passenger, were injured. 

Burke was arraigned today, November 22, 2024, via Zoom, in front of Judge Chupa, 37th District Court, Warren, on charges of: 

  • Two counts: Homicide – Manslaughter with a motor vehicle; a fifteen-year felony  
  • One count: Moving violation causing serious impairment of body function; a 93-day misdemeanor
  • One count: Public Officer – Willful neglect of duty; a one-year misdemeanor.

Judge Chupa granted the defendant a $100,000 personal recognizance bond.

“Our thoughts remain with those whose lives were impacted by this tragic crash,” stated Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham. “We hope the conclusion of this investigation begins to bring a sense of closure and healing as they continue to navigate this difficult time.”

 

Department:Sheriff
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Press Release