MACOMB COUNTY, Mich. – More charges have been issued against a Clinton Township man who was allegedly involved in a multi-day crime spree that ended in a wrong-way crash on I-94, officials said.
After a subsequent investigation led to search warrants being executed, Joel Masching, 53, of Clinton Township, was issued more charges after controlled substances were discovered at a home in Clinton Township and a business in Fraser, according to the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office.
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Due to this, Masching was arraigned on the following charges on Thursday, Jan. 29, in 41B District Court in Clinton Township:
- Controlled Substance – Possession (Cocaine, Heroin or other Narcotic) Less than 25 Grams, a 4-year felony
- Controlled Substance – Possession/analogues, a 2-year felony
- Controlled Substance – Possession (schedule 5 and Lsd, etc.), a 1-year misdemeanor
- Habitual Offender, 2nd Offense Notice, an aggravating sentencing factor
He was given a $100,000 personal bond and was ordered to comply with the conditions that a 37th District Court set when he was initially charged.
In that case, Masching had posted his $200,000 cash/surety bond and was released. He must wear a GPS tether and he can’t consume drugs or alcohol and is required to submit drug testing. Masching also can’t have any contact with the victim. He is expected in court again for a probable cause conference on March 3.
Additionally, Masching was also arraigned on the following charges in 39th District Court in Roseville on Thursday, Jan. 29:
- Controlled Substance – Possession – (Cocaine, Heroin or other Narcotic) Less than 25 Grams, a 4-year felony
- Habitual Offender, 2nd Offense Notice, an aggravating sentencing factor
He was given a $2,000 personal bond and ordered to follow all other bond conditions that have already been set. His probable cause conference in this case is scheduled for Feb. 25
“These allegations are serious and involved conduct that threatened public safety,” said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido. “Our office worked with multiple law enforcement agencies to bring appropriate charges based on the evidence. We are prepared to move forward and will prosecute these cases diligently, guided by the facts, the law, and our duty to seek justice for the victims and the public.”
Background
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 in 37th District Court in Warren on the following charges:
- 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
When these charges were issued, the prosecutor had said that Masching could face additional 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,” Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido previously said. 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 in this case.