MACOMB COUNTY, Mich. – Police pursuit cases in Macomb County have nearly doubled since 2019, prompting Prosecutor Peter Lucido to announce a zero-tolerance policy that eliminates plea deals for suspects who flee from law enforcement.
Statistics reveal a dramatic surge in fleeing and eluding cases, climbing from 226 incidents in 2019 to 403 cases in 2024.
The county has already recorded 139 cases in the first half of 2025.
“If you come to Macomb and you want to flee the police, be prepared not to get a plea bargain because it’s not happening anymore,” said Lucido.
Local 4 reached out to Lucido’s counterparts in neighboring counties regarding their policies on fleeing and eluding.
The Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office maintains a case-by-case approach, stating that it examines the facts and evidence in each case to determine a just outcome.
The Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office has yet to respond.
Beyond eliminating plea deals, Lucido is pushing for mandatory sentencing legislation.
Current Michigan law allows sentences ranging from two to fifteen years in prison for fleeing and eluding cases.
Lucido plans to meet with state lawmakers from Macomb County to take action in Lansing.
“We need to put stricter penalties in place,” Lucido said.
Lucido pointed to a recent high-profile Warren police chase as one reason why change is needed.
On May 24, 71-year-old Wendy Drew was struck and killed by a driver fleeing officers.
A spokesperson for Warren Police says the department supports Lucido’s efforts to hold those charged with fleeing and eluding accountable.
“In law enforcement, we take pursuits very seriously as we should,” said Lt. John Gajewski of the Warren Police Department. “Prosecutor Lucido is asking judges, courts, and the criminal justice system to do the same.”