Michigan Criminal Lawyers Blog
On Thursday October 4, an incident began when police responded to reports of a man with a gun at a TGI Fridays restaurant in Southfield. Officers gave chase when the man drove away from the restaurant; the pursuit went on for several miles before the suspect slammed in to a Beverly Hills Public Safety vehicle which was parked as the officer was placing “stop sticks” in the roadway. The officer was injured in the crash.
The high-speed chase eventually led to the arrest of 24-year-old James Bracy of Detroit. He was charged with multiple offenses including fleeing and eluding an officer causing serious bodily injury. Bracy is being held in the Oakland County Jail on a $1 million bond after being arraigned in Southfield District Court on Friday.
According to news reports, police chased the suspect north on Evergreen Road; just north of 13 Mile Road, Bracy lost control of the vehicle and struck a fire hydrant before crashing into the parked vehicle. After crashing into the Beverly Hills police cruiser, the suspect then struck the officer. Police said that the officer was thrown approximately 30 feet after being hit. His identity was not revealed, but officials claim that he is a 10-year veteran of the Beverly Hills Police Department. He was treated for a broken hip, arm, wrist and femur at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak. The suspect was treated for a broken nose at a local hospital prior to being taken into custody.
Bracy faces additional charges of carrying a concealed weapon, operating on a suspended license, possession of a weapon by a felon and possession of a firearm in the commission of a felony (two charges). He was convicted for carrying a concealed weapon in 2010 according to the Michigan Department of Corrections, and was released from prison in October of 2011.
Michigan gun crime attorneys know how serious these charges are, and understand the severe consequences those convicted face. Fleeing and eluding an officer resulting in serious bodily injury is a 10 year felony; the other charges will no doubt mean additional penalties for Bracy if convicted.
If you have been arrested for a crime involving weapons, consult with a Michigan criminal defense lawyer who is dedicated to protecting your legal rights, freedom and future.