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    • Warren police officer charged in the deaths of 2 men in a violent crash in September
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    Warren police officer charged in the deaths of 2 men in a violent crash in September

    Online Niel Posted on

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    A Warren police officer faces criminal charges in September the death of two men who were killed when a police cruiser violently collided with their SUV, Macomb County Sheriff’s officials told the Free Press that the cruiser was traveling 93.8 mph at the time of impact and had no emergency lights or sirens activated.

    Officer James Burke, 28, was arraigned Friday via Zoom in 37th District Court in Warren on two counts of homicide-manslaughter with a motor vehicle, a 15-year felony; a misdemeanor motion causing serious bodily injury, a 93-day misdemeanor, and a public servant’s arrest – willful neglect of duty, a one-year misdemeanor, according to news releases from the sheriff’s and prosecutors’ offices.

    Burke pleaded not guilty to all charges and was released on $100,000 personal recognizance. Conditions of his bond include that he is not allowed to leave the state; and if he returns to his legal duties, he cannot drive a government vehicle, conduct patrols or otherwise act as a patrol officer, according to the prosecutor’s office’s statement.

    Burke’s attorney, Marc Curtis, said Burke “is a decorated officer with eight years of law enforcement experience. On this night, he was doing his job to protect the citizens of Warren, and the situation is the result of the actions of both sides. We look forward to bringing to light the facts and circumstances of this case and will do so in court.”

    Curtis said Burke was suspended with pay Friday. A probable cause conference is scheduled for Dec. 5. A preliminary exam is scheduled for December 12.

    “While police officers are often faced with challenging and fast-moving situations, the decision to drive at high speed without lights or sirens undermines safeguards designed to protect everyone on the road. Our thoughts are with the families of the victims and we remain committed to pursuing justice in this matter,” District Attorney Peter Lucido said in his office release.

    Sheriff Anthony Wickersham said in a statement from his office: “Our thoughts remain with those whose lives were affected by this tragic accident. We hope that the conclusion of this investigation begins to bring a sense of closure and healing as they continue to navigate this difficult time.”

    Burke is charged on September 30 accident that killed Cedric Hayden Jr., 34, and his lifelong best friend, DeJuan Pettis, 33. The pair were in a Dodge Durango when the oncoming police car crashed into their SUV as they turned left from Schoenherr Road onto Prospect Avenue around 5 a.m., according to a sheriff’s office release.

    Burke and his 34-year-old partner in the police boat were injured in the crash. Sheriff’s spokeswoman Jennifer Putney said the partner is not facing any criminal charges at this time.

    The sheriff’s office was immediately asked to investigate.

    Hayden’s family filed a lawsuit against the city of Warren and two officers in October in Macomb County Circuit Court, alleging the officers were traveling 100 mph or more without lights and sirens when the collision occurred and the officer failed to braked, but rather accelerated.

    The lawsuit sought more than $100 million. Hayden’s father said during a press conference that his son was on his way home at the time of the accident. Circuit Court records also show a civil lawsuit filed Oct. 29 against the city and two officers by Pettis’ property.

    Putney told the Free Press that according to the vehicle’s data recorder, the police vehicle was traveling 93.8 mph at the time of impact and did not have its lights and sirens activated.

    Putney said Warren officers responded to a Flock camera hit by a black Jeep Cherokee stolen from Sterling Heights traveling south on Schoenherr at 10 miles. There were two firearms allegedly stolen in the Cherokee, she said.

    Putney said there was no “pursuit,” but officers responded to an alert. She said a Flock camera reads license plates. She had no details on where the camera was or if or where Cherokee was.

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    In a statement, Warren police indicated Burke has been with the department for nearly three years and served honorably at another law enforcement agency for five years before joining the Warren force. Curtis said Burke previously worked for the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office.

    Warren police said Burke comes from a law enforcement family and has “an impeccable record of public service with multiple public service awards and honors, including a 2024 Medal of Valor for Heroism in the Line of Duty.” In their statement, police indicated that Burke had no history of impaired driving or previous incidents of concern.

    Burke was said to have been on administrative leave since the day of the collision. Now, an internal investigation will look into the incident, looking into Burke’s compliance with city police policies and procedures.

    “As required by the collective bargaining agreement, he will have a due process hearing to determine the future of his employment with the Warren Police Department following the conclusion of the internal investigation. He will not return to work from administrative leave until the hearing takes place. “, according to the statement of the police department.

    Burke’s partner has been on administrative leave during the sheriff’s office investigation. That officer will return to work once he has fully recovered from his serious injuries in the crash, according to the police statement.

    “Again, the Warren Police Department recognizes the seriousness of this tragic incident and extends its deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the victims. We also continue to pray for the full recovery of our injured officers,” the statement said.

    “Despite this difficult time, the men and women of this Department remain dedicated to serving our community with the utmost integrity and professionalism. The department is committed to learning from this incident and moving forward toward our never-ending goal of excellence in law enforcement and public service.”

    Contact Christina Hall: [email protected]. Follow her on X, ex Twitter: @challreporter.

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