Mich. Police K-9 Hurt when Parolee on Crime Spree Rams Cruisers
What to know
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A 62-year-old parole absconder led a crime spree that ended with a Warren police K-9, Diezel, being struck by a stolen vehicle and an officer firing at a suspect.
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The suspect faces 13 charges including conspiracy to commit armed robbery, assault with a dangerous weapon and causing harm to a police animal.
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Diezel is expected to recover following the incident, and the shooting is under the investigation.
Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido on Wednesday blasted a 62-year-old parole absconder who allegedly masterminded a series of crimes that resulted in a police officer shooting one of the suspect’s accomplices.
Karl Williams, Sr. of Detroit was arraigned Monday, Sept. 15 on 13 criminal charges stemming from the incidents, which took place in Macomb and Oakland counties.
Noting the suspect’s age, Lucido said in videotaped comments: “Are you kidding me? When is enough enough?”
Williams was arraigned before 37th District Court Judge Michael Chupa on 12 felony counts and one misdemeanor charge, including conspiracy to commit armed robbery, which is punishable by up to life in prison upon conviction.
According to police and prosecutors, the incidents took place Friday, Sept. 12 when Williams stole a GMC Acadia in Oak Park. The driver apparently left the engine running when the vehicle was taken.
Next, Williams allegedly robbed a Walgreens store on Lasher Road in Southfield, getting away with only cigarettes.
Investigators said Williams then picked up three companions and concocted a plan to rob a car wash located on 8 Mile Road in Warren. While the suspects were surveilling the car wash, Warren police, who were looking for the stolen Acadia, saw the vehicle in the car wash parking lot.
Several marked police vehicles surrounded the Acadia, authorities said. Williams attempted to drive between two of the police vehicles, striking both.
An officer had to grab his K-9, Diezel, to protect the dog from being struck by the patrol vehicle after it was hit by the Acadia.
A police officer fired one round which struck one of William’s passengers in the lower back.
The Acadia accelerated towards an officer and Diezel. The officer was able to avoid being hit but his dog was struck.
The Acadia maneuvered around the patrol units and escaped, speeding down 8 Mile Road at speeds in excess of 100 mph. The police pursued the Acadia which eventually came to a stop when it hit a median while attempting to turn.
Prosecutor Lucido said Diezel will be OK after being hit.
“Thank god the Warren police converged on the vehicle and got it stopped,” he said.
In addition to the conspiracy charge, Williams was arraigned on charges of receiving a stolen automobile, fleeing police, assault with a dangerous weapon, resisting arrest, causing physical harm to a police animal, and five counts of felony firearm.
The prosecutor’s office said Williams is alleged to be a habitual offender, which carries a mandatory minimum of 25 years in prison. According to the Michigan Department of Corrections, Williams absconded from parole after an armed robbery conviction in Detroit.
“Didn’t he learn his lesson a long time ago — crime doesn’t pay,” Lucido said.
Williams’ passengers — Shamari Smith, Frank Durham and Timothy Moultrie — were each charged with conspiracy to commit armed robbery — and are being held in the Macomb County Jail.
According to Warren police, the officer who shot a suspect has been placed on administrative leave, a routine procedure as the investigation is still ongoing. The suspect was last reported to be in stable condition in police custody.
Bond for was set at $750,000 cash/surety. If released, he must wear a GPS tether. He is scheduled to return to court for a probable cause conference on Tuesday, Sept. 23
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