In this episode of The Detroit Evening Report, we cover the Detroit Police Department as they increase enforcement of the city’s curfew policy. Plus, Canadian wildfire smoke is headed this way.
The Detroit Police Department has some new tools to increase enforcement of its curfew policies. City Council approved a bill along those lines on Tuesday, July 29. Parents of violators will see fines rise from $75 to $250 for the first offense. A second offense will result in a fine of $500. That’s up from $100.
Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison says the goal is to prevent crime and keep kids safe.
“We’ve had too many instances of young people being out past curfew and have been arrested with a firearm, have been shot, have done other mischievous type things,” Bettison said. “Just this past weekend, I had a 13 year old that we arrested after curfew, set multiple collision shops on fire. That’s totally not acceptable. 13.”
Parents will no longer face jail time for curfew violations. Fines may be waived if they take a parental responsibility course.
Detroit’s curfew policy requires kids 15 and under to be off the streets between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. unless they’re with a parent. 16 and 17 year olds have an 11 p.m. curfew.
Air quality alert
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy has issued an air quality alert has been issued for all of Michigan for Wednesday, July 30 and Thursday, July 31. That includes the city of Detroit.
Canadian wildfire smoke is traveling south through Michigan today. That will bring fine particulate matter into the area. The result will be air quality that is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups. Some areas could increase to the “unhealthy” range.
People with asthma, heart disease and other health conditions should limit their time outside. Those residents should also keep their windows closed. Others should avoid strenuous activities outside until the air quality alert has lifted.
50 years since Jimmy Hoffa disappeared
Today is the 50th anniversary of the disappearance of Jimmy Hoffa. The former head of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters vanished some time after arriving at the Machus Red Fox restaurant in Bloomfield Township on July 30, 1975. His body has never been found. There are scores of rumors and theories about what happened to him, but none have been proven. Hoffa served as president of the Teamsters union from 1957 until 1971.
Lions to play in Hall of Fame game
The Detroit Lions are getting ready for their first pre-season game of the year. The Lions will play in the nationally-televised Hall of Fame game in Canton, Ohio tomorrow evening. They play the Los Angeles Chargers.
The Lions have high hopes for the 2025 season. The team won 15 games and lost just two during the regular season last year. Detroit lost the NFC Divisional playoff game to the Washington Commanders to end their season.
The Hall of Fame Game will be played on Thursday, July 31 at 8 p.m. on NBC and Peacock.
Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.
Support local journalism.
WDET strives to cover what’s happening in your community. As a public media institution, we maintain our ability to explore the music and culture of our region through independent support from readers like you. If you value WDET as your source of news, music and conversation, please make a gift today.
The case against a Detroiter accused of fatally stabbing a man who was reportedly his friend has been bound over to Oakland County Circuit Court for possible trial.
At the conclusion of a preliminary exam Tuesday in 46th District Court, Judge Cynthia Arvant ruled there was probable cause to advance the case against Gregory Clark, 66.
Clark is charged with second-degree homicide for the death of 64-year-old Eddie Fisher Clora, who was stabbed in the chest on April 12 in Southfield. Clark had been charged with manslaughter, but the prosecution subsequently amended the charge.
Gregory Clark booking photo
Clora was fatally stabbed during a fight with Clark outside a BP gas station at Eight Mile and Lahser roads, police said. He died at Henry Ford Providence Southfield Hospital.Clora’s family identified Clark as the assailant based on video evidence, according to the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office — and described the two men as friends. Clark turned himself in four days after the stabbing, the prosecutor’s office said.
Clark is scheduled to be arraigned on Aug. 6 before Oakland County Circuit Judge Nanci Grant. If convicted, he could face life in prison. For now, he’s in the Oakland County Jail with bond set at $500,000, requiring him to post 10% to be released.
Rochester police will soon have new cameras for officers and road patrol vehicles.
The city council unanimously approved a five-year, $345,363 contract with Axon Enterprises based in Scottsdale, AZ, for 20 bodycams and 10 in-car cameras, all of which have livestreaming capabilities.
Police Chief George Rouhib said the department has been using Watchguard bodycams but Axon’s cameras had advanced features.
In addition to better-quality images, the cameras include license-plate readers, an AI assistant, and redaction software. The contract includes a supplemental language translator which helps with up to 50 languages, he said.
More than three dozen languages are spoken by Oakland County’s residents who speak English as a second language, according to the U.S. Census.
“When the individual speaks into the camera, the software will identify the language and translate it into English and vice versa,” he said. “The software will also store our department policies, allowing officers to access critical information easily while in the field, ensuring compliance and informed decision making.”
He said the current cameras are out of warranty and cannot be repaired. The new equipment, he said, will be good for an estimated five years.
The in-cruiser cameras can also read license plates and alert officers to stolen cars.
All road patrol vehicles will have cameras, he said.
The city adopted bodycams in 2021 as a way to improve evidence collection and document police officers’ actions.
A 70-year-old man accused of sexually abusing two children in his family has opted out of trial with a plea in Oakland County Circuit Court.
At a pretrial hearing July 28, Southfield resident Lawrence Edward Miles pleaded no contest three counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and two counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct for allegedly assaulting a boy and girl — both under 10 years old. According to the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office, the charges stem from a series of assaults that occurred in 2024 and 2025.
Oakland County Jail
Lawrence Miles booking photo
A no contest plea is not an admission of guilt but is treated as such for sentencing purposes. It can also offer some liability protection in civil cases.
Miles is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 16 by Judge Daniel O’Brien. He faces up to life in prison for first-degree CSC, with a mandatory minimum of 25 years behind bars. Second-degree criminal sexual conduct carries a penalty of up to 15 years in prison. Both convictions require lifetime electronic monitoring upon parole and AIDS/STD testing.
Snyomee Stanley, 21, of Taylor is facing felony charges of unarmed robbery and stealing/retaining a financial transaction device, along with third-degree retail fraud — a misdemeanor — for a crime reported outside the Marshall’s store in White Lake Township on July 9. An Oakland County special operations unit and Taylor police arrested her on July 24 and she was subsequently arraigned in 52-2 District Court in Clarkston.
Bond was set at $10,000 cash with a 10% provision, which allowed her to be released from jail after posting $1,000. She did that on July 28.
An ongoing investigation into multiple purse-snatching incidents in Oakland County tied Stanley to the White Lake crime. A brother-sister duo from Pontiac, Phylasia Rufus, 21, and Cartier Rufus, 20, are facing charges for similar incidents in retail parking lots in Auburn Hills and Commerce Township, and Cartier Rufus is facing charges for the White Lake Township incident along with Stanley. Stanley’s arrest information has been shared with law enforcement in Auburn Hills and Commerce townships, according to officials.
According to police, force was used to steal purses from female victims in at least two of the crimes, causing minor injuries.
Cartier Rufus was on parole for a similar offense at the time of his arrest, police said.
The Rufuses remain in custody at the Oakland County Jail.
Phylasia Rufus’ cases were recently advanced to Oakland County Circuit Court after she waived her right to preliminary exams in district court. Cartier Rufus’ next court appearance is scheduled for July 31. Stanley’s next court appearance is scheduled for Aug. 7.
A 31-year-old man is in jail after his girlfriend told police he kidnapped her, hit her with a liquor bottle and threw her down a set of stairs.
Michigan State Police said the woman fled the man’s home and sought help at a nearby residence when he fell asleep.
At about 1:05 a.m. Friday, dispatchers received a report that a woman with “obvious injuries” was sitting on the porch of a home on Ithaca Avenue in Royal Oak Township, according to an MSP social media post.
Authorities said troopers arrived and found the woman with two black eyes and bruises and cuts on her body. She told police that her boyfriend had held her against her will at his home on Cloverdale Avenue for the last three days.
There, he allegedly took her cell phone so she couldn’t call for help, strangled her, struck her with a liquor bottle and threw her down the stairs when she attempted to leave. The woman told police she was able to escape when he fell asleep.
She was transported to a nearby hospital while troopers responded to the suspect’s home, according to the MSP post.
He initially refused to exit the house. Troopers first removed the man’s father and the suspect later complied with orders and was taken to the Oakland County Jail.
The suspect has not yet been identified by name. The case is under review by the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office, MSP said.
A spokesperson for the prosecutor’s office didn’t immediately respond to a request for an update on the case.
One of the three Lorain Police Department officers attacked in an ambush while having lunch has died.
“The Lorain Police Department is heartbroken to announce the line-of-duty death of Officer Phillip C. Wagner, who passed away surrounded by his family at MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio, on Wednesday, July 23, 2025,” according to a news release from the Lorain Police Department.
Wagner, 35, joined the Lorain Police Department in February 2022.
Prior to his service with Lorain police, he served with the U.S. Marine Corps, as well as the Sheffield Village Police Department.
From the very beginning of his career, Wagner was a respected and beloved member of our law enforcement family, the release said.
Known for his dedication, professionalism, and compassion, he exemplified the very best of what it means to serve and protect, the release said.
Wagner proudly served seven years in law enforcement, the release said.
Just two days before this tragic shooting, he achieved a significant milestone — earning his SWAT pin after a year of dedicated training and hard work, according to the release.
Despite the efforts of fellow officers, first responders and medical professionals, Wagner died of his injuries.
“Officer Wagner’s life and service to our city will never be forgotten,” said Lorain acting police Chief Mike Failing said in the release. “On behalf of the Wagner family, we extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who has reached out in support.
“Our department mourns the loss of a true hero and stands in unwavering support of Officer Wagner’s family, friends, and fellow officers during this heartbreaking time. We ask the community to keep his loved ones in their thoughts and prayers as we come together to honor his memory, service, and ultimate sacrifice.”
Information regarding funeral arrangements and opportunities for public remembrance will be shared in coming days, the release said.
Michael Joseph Parker (Photo courtesy of the Elyria Police Department)
As Lorain police officers arrived on the scene of the ambush that left two officers critically injured and one with a serious injury, they were met with significant gunfire from Michael Parker, 28, of Lorain, according to a news release from the Elyria Police Department, which is investigating the incident.
Officers returned fire during the exchange, which resulted in Parker suffering a fatal injury.
“This incident has deeply impacted all of us in law enforcement,” said Elyria Police Department Chief James Welsh. “Our hearts are with the officers who were injured, their families, and the entire Lorain Police Department during this incredibly difficult time.
“We want to extend our sincere gratitude to all of the agencies that responded swiftly and selflessly during this critical incident. The coordinated efforts of our regional law enforcement partners — including tactical teams, bomb technicians, patrol units and investigators — were instrumental in ensuring public safety, securing the scene and advancing this complex investigation.
“In moments of crisis, it’s the strength of our partnerships that carries us through.”
The shooting
The incident began at 1:04 p.m., when Lorain Police Department officers responded to a radio broadcast of shots fired by an on-duty officer in the area of River Bend Drive, according to a news release from Elyria police Capt. Bill Lantz.
Two of the Lorain police officers who were struck by gunfire by Parker were parked in their patrol cruisers eating lunch when they were attacked, the release said.
A third officer responded and was shot in the hand.
He’s since been treated and released.
The injured officers were transported to area hospitals.
Lorain police requested mutual aid prompting numerous law enforcement agencies, including tactical teams, responded and conducted a coordinated search of surrounding areas to confirm there was no ongoing threat to public safety.
Once the scene was secured, the Elyria Police Department Investigative Unit, with assistance from the Lorain County Sheriff’s Office and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, initiated an investigation into the officer-involved shooting.
Preliminary findings indicate that Parker had parked his vehicle near the dead end of River Bend Drive.
Located inside and around the vehicle were multiple high-powered rifles, handguns and a substantial quantity of loaded magazines, according to the release.
While securing the vehicle, law enforcement personnel saw suspicious baggage, raising concerns about possible explosive devices, the release said.
The Lorain County Bomb Squad was contacted.
Upon further inspection, bomb technicians discovered a significant quantity of improvised explosive materials within the vehicle, the release said.
The materials were safely removed and disposed of through a controlled detonation away from the crime scene.
Following this, BCI investigators began processing the scene and collecting evidence.
Initial analysis indicated that Parker fired a significant number of rounds during the course of the encounter.
Later that evening, investigators obtained a search warrant for Parker’s residence in the 1500 block of North Lakeview Boulevard in Lorain.
At 6 p.m., the Lorain County S.W.A.T. Team executed the warrant and bomb technicians cleared the property, confirming no explosive threats were present.
Anyone with information related to this incident is urged to contact Elyria police Lt. Tom Wade at 440-326-1362 or wade@cityofelyria.org.
Investigators continue to develop evidence to determine information that may shed light on Parker’s motives for the shooting.
“The Elyria Police Department remains committed to working with our partnering agencies to ensure a complete and professional investigation,” the release said. “Updates will be provided as the case progresses.”
Community response
The mood of the city is sober and grim as news continues to trickle through the community.
A vigil took place July 23 outside City Hall following the event and another will occur again late July 24 in honor of the officers.
The organizers of the Lorain Lighthouse announced the lights will be dark blue beginning July 31 in support of the officers who were attacked.
“We are sending our thoughts, prayers and support to the 3 officers, their families and the Lorain Police Department,” the organizers stated on social media.
Meanwhile, City Hall remains closed until July 28 in light of the tragedy.
The digital sign in front of City Hall states, “In these difficult times, keep Lorain Police in your thoughts and prayers.”
Flags on City Hall property are being flown at half-staff.
“Today, our community was rocked by the tragic shooting of three officers from the Lorain Police Department,” said Lorain County Prosecutor Tony Cillo. “As a prosecutor, I work closely with law enforcement every day, and I’ve seen firsthand the courage, integrity and selflessness these individuals bring to the job.
“Their sacrifice is a stark reminder of the dangers police face in service of public safety. To every officer who puts on the uniform despite the risks: thank you. We stand with you.
“And to the families of the injured, our hearts are with you as you navigate the road ahead. We honor their service. We demand accountability. And most importantly, we commit to supporting our law enforcement partners as they heal and continue the vital mission of protecting our community.”
Lorain City Schools also issued a statement on the incident.
“We are heartbroken by the events unfolding in our city today,” the statement read. “Our thoughts are with the Lorain Police Department, our first responders, and the families affected by this tragedy.
“Lorain City Schools stands in full solidarity with the city of Lorain and our partners in law enforcement. Recognizing this difficult time, all district offices and school buildings will be closed on Thursday, July 24, and Friday, July 25. We ask our Titan community to keep our city in your thoughts and to support one another with care and compassion in the days ahead.”
A Chuck E. Cheese employee was arrested while wearing the mouse costume during a child’s birthday party at one of the restaurant’s locations in Florida, authorities confirmed Thursday.
Jermell Jones, 41, was cuffed and marched out of the building while wearing the Chuck E. Cheese suit in Tallahassee. The mascot misconduct happened back on July 3, according to the Tallahassee Democrat.
Cops said an investigation began when a woman who had recently paid for a Chuck E. Cheese birthday party noticed about $100 worth of suspicious charges on her credit card, the Democrat reported.
When officers first arrived at the scene, they identified the suspect as an employee checking stamps at the front door. However, when they returned to make an arrest, he had changed into the famous mouse costume, according to the outlet.
“Tallahassee Police Department, y’all couldn’t let this man change out of his Chuck E. Cheese costume before arresting him in front of those kids?” one man asked in a Facebook post.
Tallahassee police said they tried to make the arrest discretely, but Jones “tense[d] up and resist[ed],” forcing them to march him through the restaurant.
“It is unfortunate that the person who is subject of this investigation and who we had probable cause on happened to be in a suit and in costume,” TPD spokeswoman Alicia Hill told the Democrat.
“There were very few people on the beach, and the sea was rough,” the vacationing doctor, who requested to remain anonymous, told Us Weekly, adding they were about 660 feet (200 meters) away at the time they heard people crying for help. “I ran to the area and entered the sea with my surfboard, heading into the rip current toward the person being pointed at by some beachgoers. After a few minutes, I saw a shadow, dove down and pulled the person out.”
He spotted another Good Samaritan, who’d tried to assist “without any rescue equipment,” lying on the shore and trying to breathe.
“Immediately, [first responders] began providing first aid to Malcolm, but he had no vital signs,” said the doctor. “Two tourists ran over to help. They identified themselves as doctors, making a total of three physicians at the scene.”
A defibrillator was among the resuscitation efforts employed to save the beloved actor, to no avail.
“The people who take part in this kind of rescue are always deeply affected,” said the doctor. “You have to understand it’s not easy, and it also takes time to heal.”
The Caribbean Guard previously confirmed that at the time of Warner’s death, no lifeguard was on duty at Playa Grande, “one of our most challenging beaches.”
“It’s a beach known by local surfers and there are signs (in English and Spanish) that warn of the danger of death by drowning,” continued the statement.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – JANUARY 14: Host Malcolm-Jamal Warner speaks onstage during the 2023 Beloved Community Awards at Hyatt Regency Atlanta on January 14, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. Formerly known as the Salute Greatness Gala, the Beloved Community Awards is a part of the weeklong celebration of the 2023 King Holiday Observance. The event recognizes community leaders, businesses, and organizations that exemplify excellence in leadership, philanthropy and social justice in the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
A Rochester Hills woman and her boyfriend are jailed on first-degree child abuse charges after the woman’s young daughter had her arm and leg broken, officials said.
According to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, Kimberly Ann McGarry, 26, was arraigned Thursday following her arrest this past Tuesday near Grand Rapids, by U.S. Marshals. Bond was set at $150,000 with a 10% provision, meaning she can be released from the Oakland County Jail if she posts $15,000. Her boyfriend, Cleyde Murillo, 29, was arrested July 11 in Muskegon County where he had gone for a supervised visit with his daughter, the sheriff’s office said. At his July 14 arraignment, bond was set at $750,000 with a 10% provision, requiring him to post $75,000 to get out of jail.
The case against the couple emerged last December when staff from Children’s Protective Services notified detectives about the child’s injuries. The girl, age 4, had been taken to the hospital where doctors determined her left leg and right arm had been broken and were in different stages of healing, the sheriff’s office said.
As stated in a news release: “McGarry said her daughter had fallen down the steps two weeks earlier. Doctors later notified child protective services as the injuries were not consistent with the mother’s statement. McGarry later gave conflicting versions to detectives about how the injuries happened. McGarry confirmed during the interview that the injury took place on Nov. 15 and neither she nor Murillo provided any medical attention for the child, potentially causing permanent injury to her.”
McGarry told doctors the child was injured at the home she shared with Murillo, on Dequindre in Rochester Hills, the sheriff’s office said.
The Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office issued charges against the couple on July 10.
“There can be no excuse and no tolerance for anyone that abuses a child,” Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard stated in the news release. “It is one of the more heinous crimes we encounter, and I am anxious for these suspects to be held accountable.”
McGarry also has a 6-year-old daughter and a 9-year-old son who are now living with their biological father, the sheriff’s office said.
First-degree child abuse is punishable by up to life in prison.
Oakland County Jail (Aileen Wingblad/MediaNews Group)
Multiple criminal charges are filed against a 33-year-old Texas man accused of human trafficking, other sex crimes and more, following his recent arrest in Southfield.
According to Southfield police, the case against Randolph Lewis unfolded on July 21 when officers responded to the Quality Inn at 26111 Telegraph Road for a malicious destruction of property complaint. The female victim reported that a man she described as her boyfriend had broken her car windshield, police said. An investigation revealed the woman may be a victim of human trafficking; she reportedly told police she had met Lewis in Louisiana and he had introduced her to sex dates — listing her online for commercial sex services and collecting her earnings after the encounters, police said.
Randolph Lewis (photo shared by Southfield Police Dept.)
The woman also told officers that Lewis had sexually assaulted, police said.
Lewis, who had fled from the Quality Inn before police arrived, was located in a nearby hotel and arrested. Another possible human trafficking victim was with Lewis, but she refused assistance from officers, police said.
The investigation also revealed that Lewis has operated in several cities, police said.
The Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office has charged Lewis with human trafficking enterprise resulting in injury/commercial sexual activity, prostitution, using computers to commit a crime, and two counts of criminal sexual conduct – assault with intent to commit sexual penetration.
Lewis is in the Oakland County Jail with bond set at $300,000. If he posts bond, he’ll be required to wear a GPS tether while the case is adjudicated.
Lewis, of Arlington, Texas, also has charges pending in Lousiana, police said.
Lewis’ next court appearance is scheduled for Aug. 4 for a probable cause conference before 48th District Judge Debra Nance.
Southfield's 46th District Court (Aileen Wingblad/MediaNews Group)
The Trump administration is making changes in security procedures at the nation’s airports. Officials say new technology now allows travelers to pass through checkpoints without having to remove their shoes. And soon, they vow, passengers may be able to bring full bottles of liquid onboard aircraft.
But the new scanners needed to screen travelers are large and expensive. Some experts say the federal government must move cautiously.
University of Michigan Associate Professor Javed Ali was a senior analyst for U.S. Homeland Security in the years following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. He says there were good reasons for checking shoes and liquid containers at airports.
The following interview has been edited for clarity and length.
Javed Ali: First there was the 9/11 operation, which was so big and broad and so sophisticated, getting trained pilots to commandeer airplanes and fly them into buildings. But that gap was closed pretty quickly. Then just a couple months later, by December 2001, we saw al-Qaida pivot to a completely different type of tactic using a single operative, Richard Reid, taking a flight bound for Miami from Paris with bombs in his shoes. That’s what led to the rule of having your shoes X-rayed up until very recently.
By 2006, al-Qaida continued to innovate and adapt and think about new ways to attack aviation, even though Osama bin Laden was on the run, in hiding, and the group was under serious pressure. Most of its senior command structure had been killed or captured, but they were still focued on attacking aviation bound for the United States. That’s what led to what was called in 2006 the “liquid bomb plot” against transatlantic planes leaving from Britain.
I was at Homeland Security from 2003–2007 and sort of lived through some of these moments. It was pretty significant and the threat was just off the charts in terms of al-Qaida’s relentless focus on attacking aviation. These international terrorist groups are very adaptive and they’re always looking for opportunities to try to plan or plot the next major attack against the U.S. homeland, even if they’re under significant pressure or their organization has been degraded. That certainly has been the lesson since 9/11. So there’s likely still some type of threat out there against global aviation.
But hopefully with these new measures that either are in place or will potentially be put in place for different types of threats, it will continue to keep the flying public safe. I’m making the assumption that there wasn’t a political dimension to these new measures. It was not just because we are in 2025 and people are tired of having to take their shoes off if they’re not in TSA PreCheck or some other trusted traveler program. But I can’t say that for certain. That’s just an assumption I’m making.
Quinn Klinefelter, WDET News: How would you say the government should balance ease of traveling with ensuring that you’re secure while traveling?
JA: Maybe we’re at a moment where we can pull back on the screening of the shoes because there is a technological solution to that. It’ll be interesting to see if the liquid restriction rule also goes by the wayside. That was al-Qaida’s last major effort to attack the homeland, at least at the scale of the 9/11 attack. They tried to do that afterwards, but nothing at the scale of that August 2006 plot. And that was a close call. And with the al-Qaida folks who were involved in that, in Pakistan and in Britain, that was as serious as it could get.
Luckily, the worst case didn’t happen. But that’s why that rule is still in place for 20 years. The threat of terrorists trying to bring some kind of liquid explosives onto planes, even in small amounts, may still be high, even if the rule gets rescinded or adjusted moving forward.
QK: You’ve discussed terrorist groups. But there’s always concerns over the “lone wolf” operatives or domestic terrorism. Any concerns about lessening current security procedures in regards to the possibility of homegrown terrorism?
JA: That’s a great question. In the post-9/11 era we have not seen what you and I would consider homegrown extremists or pure “lone wolves” or offenders try to conduct attacks against the aviation system here in the United States. It doesn’t mean that people haven’t thought about it, there may have been people who had the idea. But interestingly, in the post-9/11 era, the threat to U.S. aviation up until now has always been directed from groups overseas, first al-Qaida and then ISIS.
QK: As we are talking right now, you have just finished traveling by air and going in airports yourself. What do you think of the process? Was it a drawback for you to go through certain things and wait? Or were you willing and happy to go through that procedure in order to ensure there was as much security as possible?
JA: You might be asking the wrong person this question, because I was a former U.S. government counter-terrorism official. So I knew exactly why these rules and processes are in place, to keep the country safe. And that includes myself, when I was traveling on airplanes in my government years. And now that I’ve been out of government, I travel very routinely as well, including today when I left Detroit Metro Airport and landed here in Washington, D.C. I never see this as an inconvenience, just part of the process we all have to live by. And, again, there are real threats out there that would like nothing more than for all of these rules to go away or create this perception that there are vulnerabilities that could be exploited. I also am in some of the trusted traveler programs too. So that is another thing that any person can apply for. If you’re able to get into those programs it expedites the process at the airports as well.
Trusted, accurate, up-to-date.
WDET strives to make our journalism accessible to everyone. As a public media institution, we maintain our journalistic integrity through independent support from readers like you. If you value WDET as your source of news, music and conversation, please make a gift today.
A Pontiac man accused of shooting two men last year, killing one of them, has a new trial date.
Jury selection is set to begin Oct. 21 in Oakland County Circuit Court for the case against Jermaine Lee Jackson, 27, charged in the homicide of Json Markell Hunt, 27, of Clinton Township. Jackson faces charges of open murder, assault with intent to murder and felon in possession of a firearm, and three counts of felony firearm.
Jermaine Lee Jackson booking photo
The shooting happened at a business in the 400 block of West Huron Street in Pontiac on Jan. 14, 2024, according to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office.
The other man who was shot was reportedly Hunt’s cousin.
Jackson had been scheduled for trial earlier this year, but that was subsequently adjourned.
Jackson is held in the Oakland County Jail, denied bond.
Another man connected to the case, Ja-Vontay Boykin, is charged with two counts of accessory after the fact. He had also been charged with lying to police, but that was dismissed. His trial is scheduled for Oct. 28.
Judge Daniel O’Brien is presiding over both cases.
Oakland County Circuit Court (Aileen Wingblad/MediaNews Group)
A 40-year-old man who reportedly hit the median on I-75 in Troy and continued along the roadway with a flat tire — with his child in the car — is facing several criminal charges including operating while intoxicated-third offense, officials said.
Troy police said officers were contacted about a possible drunk driver shortly before 10 p.m. on July 13, with witnesses reporting the vehicle had hit the freeway’s wall, had a flat tire and was still being driven. Police found the vehicle, a 2015 Chevrolet Suburban, on the shoulder of the off-ramp to Crooks Road, and reportedly saw the driver and his 12-year-old daughter walking away.
Officers spoke with the driver and suspected he was intoxicated due to his speech, inability to stand up straight and bloodshot eyes, police said. They also determined he had a felony warrant for his arrest and didn’t have a valid driver’s license.
The man refused to perform field sobriety tests and — after being arrested and transported to the Troy police lock-up facility — refused a blood draw, police said. A search warrant was obtained for the blood draw.
Along with OWI-third offense, the man is charged with driving while license is suspended/revoked/denied, failure to stop at the scene of a property damaged accident, and reckless driving.
A 78-year-old Troy man was recently scammed out of nearly $50,000 — and the fraudster then attempted to get another $42,000 from him, police said.
According to the Troy Police Department, the man reported he received an email from someone he thought was Norton — an anti-virus/identity protection service — telling him he owed a $400 renewal payment. The man gave remote access to his computer and cell phone, then was told $40,000 had been deposited into his account instead of $400, and he had to repay $49,500 in cash. A courier came to his home and the man turned the cash over to him, police said.
The next day, the victim was again contacted and told an additional $42,300 had been placed in his account in error, and he had to send back $42,000. At that point, police said, the man realized he’d been scammed and contacted authorities.
Police have repeatedly warned residents to be aware of scams and to check with their financial institutions when unconfirmed sources ask them to transfer funds. As previously reported, police say it’s unlikely such scammers will be caught and prosecuted.
The Detroit Police Department is asking city council to increase its enforcement of the city’s youth curfew. Fines for the parents of kids out past 10 p.m. is $75 and could go up to $200.
This is a response to an increase in violence among young people, including several shootings this month.
The issue of teen violence recently came up at Detroit’s Board of Police Commissioners Community meeting. It’s also started a conversation about how to better support young people in Detroit.
Metro Producer Jack Filbrandt talked to Detroit Documenter Nadia Ziyad and Coordinator Lynelle Herndon about solutions that are being discussed at meetings and in the community.
We also spoke with Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison last week about the changes to Detroit’s curfew fines. He said the fines are meant to encourage parent accountability and prevent those parents from greater problems down the road.
Use the media player above to hear the full conversation.
Listen to The Metro weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on-demand.
Trusted, accurate, up-to-date.
WDET strives to make our journalism accessible to everyone. As a public media institution, we maintain our journalistic integrity through independent support from readers like you. If you value WDET as your source of news, music and conversation, please make a gift today.
An Oakland County road commission worker was killed and two others seriously injured after a vehicle crashed into their worksite Wednesday morning.
The workers were near the median in the northbound lanes of Orchard Lake Road near Misty Pines Drive when a southbound driver in a silver Ford Escape crossed the median and hit them. One worker died at the scene and the others were hospitalized.
“They were out doing basin repair work on Orchard Lake Road between 10 and 11 Mile roads,” said Craig Bryson, road commission spokesman.
The names and ages of the workers are not being released, to give families time to inform relatives, according to Farmington Hills police.
Police said the driver of the Escape was also hospitalized.
The workers had proper safety equipment and signals north and south of their location, but the Escape came from the west side of the work site, police said.
The crash remains under investigation.
Bryson said the crash is devastating to the agency, which has just over 450 employees and is a tightly knit group.
“Our biggest concern is supporting the families of these three employees,” he said.
File photo. (Stephen Frye / MediaNews Group)
“Our deepest sympathies go out to the family and loved ones of the deceased,” said Farmington Hills Police Chief John Piggott. “We also extend our thoughts and prayers to the injured crew members and their families as they continue to receive medical attention, along with the entire Road Commission for Oakland County family affected by this tragic incident.”
Dennis Kolar, the road commission’s managing director said Wednesday was a heartbreaking day for the entire road commission family.
“We are extremely saddened by the loss of one of our family members, and the injury of two others,” he said.
Mental-health professionals will be at the road commission offices Thursday for any employees struggling with this situation.
“This devastating event is a stark reminder of the importance of work zone safety,” Kolar said, adding that despite road workers taking every safety precaution there are still risks daily on the job.
Kolar also thanked the Farmington Hills police for their quick response and professional assistance at the accident scene.
Police encouraged drivers to be extra careful when traveling around road crews.
Anyone with information related to this traffic crash is asked to contact the Farmington Hills Police command desk at (248) 871-2610.
Detroiter Duane Williams is suing the city of Detroit and the police and fire departments for $100 million in damages over his wrongful conviction in 2013.
Williams was sentenced to life in prison in connection with a fire that killed two people.
He spent over 11 years behind bars before a judge ordered that Williams be released last year due to the conviction being tainted by false and manipulated testimony. Williams’ attorney, Todd Flood, says investigators lied about a lighter found at the source of the fire that killed two people.
“It was an accidental fire. The fire started on a couch in that room where one of the decedents was severely intoxicated. He was a known smoker, and there was smoking materials found in that room, on that couch,” he said.
The lawsuit was filed on Tuesday in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan.
Williams says he still has mental scars from his near decade spent in prison, describing the difficulties just walking down the street can bring.
“I just kept telling myself, don’t look back, because in prison, you don’t want anybody walking behind you, and you don’t know who it is,” he said. “But I wasn’t in prison. I was free, and I tried so hard not to look back, but I had to stop and look back. I couldn’t help it.”
He said his time spent in prison has also forever changed his relationship with his wife and family.
“Peoplethinkthatthecourtsystemswork.Peoplethinkthatthesystemsthatareinplace,theappealsprocessandalltheseotherthings,work,” Williams said. “Buttheydon’tworkwhenyou’rethepersoninthesystem,andthat’ssad,andIpraythatwe’llfindawaytofixthat.”
City officials have not responded to the lawsuit and said they will not comment on pending litigation.
Trusted, accurate, up-to-date.
WDET strives to make our journalism accessible to everyone. As a public media institution, we maintain our journalistic integrity through independent support from readers like you. If you value WDET as your source of news, music and conversation, please make a gift today.
A St. Clair County man was arraigned on homicide charges Tuesday afternoon in connection with the death of a Madison Heights woman whose body was discovered in a Shelby Township apartment.
Terrance Lamar Bowie, 29, of Casco Township, was charged in 41-A District Court in Shelby Township with second-degree murder and tampering with evidence at the scene related to the death of a woman identified by Prosecutor Peter Lucido as Brittany Harris-Beauchamp, a 27-year-old Madison Heights woman. The murder charge is punishable by up to life in prison while the tampering charges carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.
Judge Stephen Sierawski set bond at $2 million cash after Assistant Macomb Prosecutor Sian Hengeveld sought to hold Bowie without bond based on the severity of the charges and because, “This case appears to be both a violent and unprovoked one (attack).”
Lexus Real, Bowie’s attorney for the arraignment, requested “a reasonable bond,” indicating that while he has resided in Casco the past “couple of months,” he had been living with and taking care of his grandmother in Shelby Township.
Bowie told Real he has no pending criminal charges and only minor past skirmishes with the law, she said.
The area around one of the apartment units at the Lakeside Park complex was cordoned off with yellow crime scene tape Saturday while Shelby Township police investigators were on the scene of what has been deemed a homicide. A St. Clair County man was charged with killing a woman in the apartment Tuesday.
(PHOTO BY SUSAN SMILEY)
Sierawski said Bowie would be appointed an attorney through the county Public Defender’s Office.
Bowie, Hengeveld, Real and a township police detective attended the court hearing appeared remotely by video.
According to Shelby Township police, officers received a 911 call about 6:45 a.m. July 19 from an apartment on the 46000 block of Boardman Drive. A man requested help on a 911 call and then hung up.
Officers arrived at the apartment to check the welfare of the occupants and were met at the door by Bowie, according to a news release.
“Bowie made statements to officers indicating that there was a dead body located inside of the apartment,” investigators said in the release.
Police located a deceased 27-year-old female in a bedroom. Evidence taken from the scene indicates the cause of death as a homicide.
Bowie was placed under arrest at the scene, police said.
Terrance Bowie, top left, appears by remote video for his arraignment Tuesday in 41A District Court. Also appearing remotely were his arraignment attorney, Lexus Real, top right, and Assistant Macomb County Prosecutor Sian Hengeveld.
MACOMB DAILY PHOTO
“This was not a random act of violence, as the victim and Bowie were both known to each other,” police said.
Authorities did not state in the releases how she was killed.
Bowie, who is being held in the Macomb County Jail, faces an Aug. 5 probable-cause conference and an Aug. 12 preliminary examination in 41A.
“Think twice before committing a crime in Shelby Township. Our team is committed to the safety and security of our residents and business owners,” Police Chief Robert Shelide said in the release. “However, if you commit a violent crime in Shelby Township, we will leave no stone unturned and pursue you until you are brought to justice.”
— Staff writer Jameson Cook contributed to this report.
Login
