Macomb County Man Convicted In Deadly Crash Nearly 2 Years Ago

MACOMB COUNTY, MI — A Roseville man was found guilty of multiple charges in connection to a deadly crash while fleeing police nearly two years ago, according to the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office.

Vertese Woods, 43, was convicted of:

• manslaughter, a 15-year felony
• first-degree fleeing police, a 15-year felony
• operating vehicle with suspended license causing death, a 15-year felony
• receiving and concealing a motor vehicle, a five-year felony
• failure to stop at scene of accident resulting in death, a five-year felony
• two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, a four-year felony
• moving violation causing death, a one-year misdemeanor
• malicious destruction of property, a one-year misdemeanor
• larceny less than $200, a 93-day misdemeanor

Prosecutors said officers spotted a stolen 2014 Dodge Ram pickup truck in Mount Clemens that Woods was driving on Dec. 20, 2021. When officers tried stopping the stolen pickup truck, Woods sped away, striking another undercover police vehicle and a parking meter, officials said.

While speeding away from officers, Woods ran a stop sign and crashed into another vehicle, causing it to roll over, officials said.

The victim in that crash was later identified as Linda Jozefiak, 58, of Harrison Township. She was taken to a nearby hospital where she later died, officials said.

"This is a reminder that recklessness behind the wheel, compounded by a blatant disregard for law enforcement, can have devastating consequences," Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido said. "The Macomb County jury delivered a resounding verdict that shows our resolve to protect our community and seek justice for the victims."