Metro Detroit Officer Charged With Manslaughter In Crash That Killed 2

WARREN, MI — A Warren police officer is facing charges in connection with a September crash that killed two men, according to the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office.

The crash, which involved a Dodge Durango and a police SUV, happened at 5 a.m. on Sept. 30 on Schoenherr Road at Prospect Avenue, between 8 Mile and 9 Mile roads, according to prosecutors.

The two people inside the Durango, 34-year-old Cedric Hayden, Jr. and 33-year-old Dejuan Pettis were killed in the crash, according to prosecutors.

Both officers were taken to a nearby hospital where they were treated for serious injuries, according to police.

One of the officers had to be extricated from the car, according to police.

James Burke, 28, was charged with two counts of manslaughter with a motor vehicle, one count of moving violation causing serious impairment of a body function and public officers - willful neglect of duty.

He was placed in jail with a $100,000 bond. If he is released from jail, he cannot leave Michigan, and if he resumes his officer duty, he cannot drive a vehicle. His next court date is scheduled for Dec. 5.

If convicted on the manslaughter charges, he faces up to 15 years in prison for each charge. The other two charges are misdemeanors.

Prosecutors said Burke was speeding in a police SUV without his emergency lights or siren on when he struck the Durango, killing Hayden, Jr. and Pettis. Police said the officers were not involved in a chase at the time of the crash.

Fieger Law, which has filed a $100 million civil lawsuit in connection with the crash, said Hayden and Pettis were best friends.

"While police officers often face challenging and fast-moving situations, the decision to drive at high speeds without lights or sirens undermines the safeguards meant to protect everyone on the road. Our thoughts are with the victims' families, and we remain committed to pursuing justice in this matter, Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido said.