MACOMB COUNTY, Mich. – A Macomb County man is facing charges after his alleged multi-day crime spree ended with a wrong-way crash on I-94, officials said.
Joel Masching, 53, of Clinton Township, has been charged with the following:
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- Controlled Substance – Delivery/manufacture –Methamphetamine/ecstasy, a 20-year felony
- Controlled Substance – Delivery/manufacture – Methamphetamine, a 20-year felony
- Controlled Substance – Delivery/manufacture – (Cocaine, Heroin or other Narcotic) Less than 50 Grams, a 20-year felony
- Controlled Substance – Delivery/manufacture – (Cocaine, Heroin or other Narcotic) Less than 50 Grams, a 20-year felony
- Home Invasion – 2nd Degree, a 15-year felony
- Police Officer – Fleeing - Third Degree – Vehicle Code, a 5-year felony
- Police Officer – Fleeing - Fourth Degree – Vehicle Code, a 2-year felony
- Police Officer – Assaulting/Resisting/Obstructing, a 2-year felony
- Domestic Violence – Second Offense Notice, a 1-year misdemeanor
- Habitual Offender, 2nd Offense Notice, an aggravating sentencing factor
The charges stem from an alleged crime spree that began on Jan. 11, 2026, according to a release from the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office.
Masching is accused of assaulting a woman and then breaking into her home later that same day and assaulting her again.
Police were called, and Masching fled the scene.
Then, on Friday, Jan. 16, the woman reported that Masching had been calling her repeatedly and driving across her lawn.
Warren officers found him near 10 Mile Road and Schoenherr and tried to conduct a traffic stop, but Masching did not stop.
He allegedly led officers on a high-speed chase, which they discontinued near 9 Mile Road and I-94.
Then, two days after that, on Jan. 18, officers found Masching at 11 Mile and Schoenherr and tried to box in his vehicle.
Masching allegedly backed into a police car and accelerated forward. An officer who was outside of his car had to move out of Masching’s path to avoid being struck, according to the release.
The officers then pursued Masching through Warren and into Detroit.
He allegedly drove the wrong way on Conner Avenue and then entered the eastbound I-94 exit ramp, and crashed into cars that were exiting the freeway, according to the prosecutor’s office.
Authorities found crack cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, ecstasy, alprazolam, psychedelic mushrooms, scales and vials in Masching’s car.
When they executed a search warrant at his Clinton Township home and the business Cornerstone Brick in Fraser, they found more controlled substances.
Masching was arraigned on Jan. 20 and given a $200,000 cash/surety bond.
He was ordered to wear a GPS tether if he is released. He also cannot consume alcohol or drugs, and he can’t have any contact with the victim.
The prosecutor’s office said that Masching could face more charges.
“The conduct alleged in this case reflects an adult who was completely out of control and making reckless decisions that put a victim, law enforcement, and the public at risk,” said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido. The allegations suggest volatile and dangerous behavior and a profound disregard for the safety of others and the rule of law. Outrageous actions that threaten our community will not be tolerated in Macomb County, and my office will work to ensure accountability.”
Masching’s probable cause conference is scheduled for Feb. 3.