Charges Dismissed Against Couple Who Drew Guns On Family In Orion Twp.

ORION TOWNSHIP, MI — An Oakland County judge threw out charges Monday against a white couple who were each caught on camera drawing a gun on a Black Pontiac family outside an Oakland County restaurant in 2020.

Jillian Wuestenberg and Eric Wuestenberg were charged with one count each of assault with a dangerous weapon-felonious assault in connection to the incident that happened in the Chipotle Mexican Grill parking lot in Orion Township on July 1, 2020.

The Clarkston couple's trial was supposed to start Monday, but Judge Mary Ellen Brennan dismissed the charges because the prosecution's witnesses did not show up for the trial, even though they were subpoenaed by the court.

Prosecutors noted the charges were dismissed without prejudice, meaning they can re-issue the charges at a later date if the witnesses become available.

Jillian Wuestenberg said she felt threatened and "feared for her life" when she aimed a gun at the family during an escalating confrontation outside the restaurant on Baldwin Road in Orion Township.

The family was heard demanding an apology and accusing Jillian of racism after they said she bumped into a teenage girl who was there with the family.