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Taylor woman stabbed in the neck allegedly by intoxicated boyfriend

Fri, 26 Sep 2025 21:35:27 -0400

A gruesome 911 call came from a woman who Taylor police say was filleted with a knife by her boyfriend.

Police say the boyfriend, 65-year-old James Doyle, was allegedly intoxicated when it happened. Doyle is behind bars tonight, facing five charges, including assault with intent to murder.

Officials tell FOX 2 this woman was watching TV when Doyle allegedly came up from behind her and cut her from her earlobe down her neck—a 6-inch cut. We’re told there may have been unreported incidents of domestic violence in the past and possibly an argument before this brutal attack, but ultimately, police are currently unable to answer the question of why.

This all happened on Williams Street here in Taylor around midnight on Tuesday. Police say Doyle was living there with his girlfriend turned victim, and it was she who called 911 immediately after she says Doyle attacked her.

According to officials, when they got to the home, Doyle was gone, and the woman was delirious, having lost a lot of blood at that point.

"There’s no minimizing any kind of crime, especially domestic violence, but once weapons become involved, it just kind of changes the whole circumstances around it," said Taylor Police Lt. John Regan. "She actually pulled through; the doctors did a great job working on her. I believe she went through surgery and is just recovering at a local hospital right now."

Alcohol possibly was a factor in this case. Police are waiting for blood tests to confirm Doyle’s alcohol level at the time.

For now, he's still in custody with a $500,000 bond.

He faces a judge in about a week.

Novi water main break repairs continue as communities hope festivities can continue

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 23:09:28 -0400

A major water main break is still causing serious concern in Oakland County, and hundreds of homes are still without water.

Crews are working around the clock to fix the damage, but the situation is far from over, and for many residents, the uncertainty is growing.

Crews have shut off six of the seven valves they need to isolate the break. They're working all night to get the last one closed and start rerouting water.

This is a massive break; about a 42-inch water main. It's one of the major lines in Oakland County.

Thousands of people are impacted, and roads are still shut down at 14 Mile between Welch and M5. That won't change until repairs are completed.

As resident Kristin Suero put it: "A majority of these people are going to want to book a hotel room."

FOX 2 spoke with several people earlier, asking them how they were holding up. Many of them are calm and trust the city to do their jobs.

Earlier on Thursday, FOX 2 watched as people went to the Public Works Department for water to drink and even flush their toilets.

A boiling advisory is still in effect , and many people are holding out hope for homecoming festivities kicking off Friday.

11-year-old boy in New Baltimore gets stuck while trying to rescue ring

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 22:51:32 -0400

A simple act of kindness took a sharp turn in New Baltimore when an 11-year-old boy became trapped, his leg stuck in the bleachers at the Anchor Bay Aquatic Center.

The boy was trying to retrieve a ring that a young girl had dropped before leaving the aquatic center.

The fire chief told FOX 2 that the boy was attempting to reach the ring under the bleachers with his leg, and that's when he got stuck. He said the initial call was scary, thinking it was worse than it turned out to be.

Four firefighters responded, each trying everything they could think of to get the boy out, but it put too much pressure on his leg, which was quite painful.

They ended up cutting out an entire section of the bleachers to free him.

The fire chief was proud of his team's "by any means necessary" approach and also commended the aquatic staff for calling 911.

"It was just a kid with a big heart. He wanted to get that ring back to her," said New Baltimore Fire Department Chief Jeff Stellman. "The staff tried for about 15 minutes and realized they weren’t getting him out. Everything they did or tried started hurting him more, and they didn’t know what to do, so they called us, and we had to cut it, dismantle it to get him out."

One of the female firefighters who was there said it was a big relief, and everyone was happy the little boy walked off with no injuries.

"I feel bad for the kid; you could tell he was scared. We told him he was doing a great job, just tried to reassure him," said firefighter Emily Martin. "We tried to get his mind off of what we were doing, just to distract him from what was going on. He took it like a champ; he was really brave through all of it. I told him that he should have a girl bring him ice cream or something. He went through a lot, so I thought he deserved a little something out of it."

FOX 2 was told this was definitely the most unusual call the New Baltimore fire crew has received in a while.

The boy still insisted on giving the girl her ring back himself. Rumors of a small crush are going around, but nonetheless, it was a truly selfless act.

Troy Oxford Center deadly fire preliminary hearing enters day two

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 20:06:06 -0400

It was day two of a preliminary hearing in the case of a deadly fire at the Oxford Center that killed a 5-year-old boy.

Thomas Cooper was inside a hyperbaric chamber receiving treatment when the fire ignited, ultimately killing him.

On Tuesday, international hyperbaric safety expert Francois Burman testified addressing what he believes caused the fire inside the hyperbaric chamber where the 5-year-old was.

After reviewing security video, he stated that a static spark was the likely cause, which occurred when Thomas’s knee brushed against the mattress he was lying on. Burman added that Thomas was not wearing a grounding strap, which, as learned from testimony yesterday, is a basic safety device designed to prevent static buildup and ultimately a fire. Burman described this as a serious failure while explaining what he observed while Thomas was inside the chamber.

"The child was moving towards the end," said Burman. "The child moved quite a lot, quite violently, but certainly with lots of energy, and you could see very clearly when he moved the sheet off the actual mattress. We know that the mattress is a conductive item. It’s built conductive for a particular purpose, and then we saw him turn over, and his knee appeared to touch the mattress, and that’s when the initial spark occurred."

Burman went on to say that children generate more static and grounding straps should have been used, calling it too risky not to.

FOX 2 heard similar concerns yesterday from a former employee who said her concerns were ignored regarding strangulation risks.

The defense argued that the straps aren't 100% preventive.

The preliminary hearing will not resume until December.

MDOT vehicle jammed I-696 traffic for hours after hitting DTE power pole

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 18:07:59 -0400

Hundreds without power, thousands of cars stranded, and a highway already beleaguered by construction becoming ground zero for frustrated commuters and a massive backup.

Monday afternoon became a total traffic nightmare after a crash on I-696 blocked travel for hours. The vehicle that caused the poorly-timed traffic jam was one of MDOT's own.

"It was a major inconvenience to probably close to 100,000 drivers who would've used westbound 696," said Diane Cross, "and it was an afternoon rush-hour so we could not pick much of a worse time for that to happen."

Around 4 p.m. on Monday, a vehicle driven by a Michigan Department of Transportation driver took out a DTE power pole. The utility said nearly 800 homes lost power as a result.

The crash stretched across all lanes of I-696 that weren't closed for construction, taking place near Bermuda in Ferndale.

"What we thought was gonna be just a few hours ended up taking most of the night," Cross, an MDOT spokesperson said. "It was probably close to 12 hours of having westbound 696 closed."

Cross added it took another 14 hours before the service drives could reopen. The all-clear was given at 5 a.m. on the freeway and 7 a.m. on the streets above.

Downed power lines and major traffic jams during stressful transit periods also made for a potentially hazardous situation along I-696.

"We had to clear all the folks who were sitting in the back up between 75 and Bermuda Mohawk, which is where the line went down," said Teresa Robinson, Ferndale's fire chief.

DTE says its crews worked overnight to make repairs, getting the power back online before 2 a.m.

Michigan State Police is investigating the crash, according to MDOT. No details about why the crash happened have been given.

Troy hyperbaric chamber center's ex-employee says her warnings ignored before boy's death

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 18:51:29 -0400

A former employee says she warned staff at the Oxford Center months before a hyperbaric chamber exploded — killing 5-year-old Thomas Cooper.

Tiffany Hosey testified in court on Monday, saying her safety concerns were ignored at the Oxford Center in Troy. Four staffers, including the CEO, are charged in connection with the deadly blast.

She worked there for nearly four years as a hyperbaric technician – among other side jobs within the center.

She testified for more than four and a half hours the prelim hearing wrapping up about an hour ago – in recess until Tuesday.

She told the court today she repeatedly warned the owner, Tamela Peterson, and safety director Jeffrey Mosteller, that patients were not being strapped with grounding bracelets.

Those straps she says, help prevent dangerous static sparks inside the chambers.

Hosey did confirm that Peterson, her daughter, and her parents used the hyperbaric chambers themselves, without the grounding bracelets.

Related:

Hosey says when she voiced her concerns, they did nothing about it. She says she expressed not feeling comfortable working in the chambers with those safety concerns and then, was let go.

But defense attorneys were quick to note that Hosey still kept working at the center despite her warnings about the lack of safety.

Attorney: "It is fair to say that you had quite a bit of knowledge regarding hyperbaric chambers outside of your specific work for Oxford, correct?"

"Correct," she said.

Attorney: "And despite everything else you learned you still went along with the management policy of no patient grounding straps correct?"

"Unfortunately yes," she said.

Defense attorneys say Hosey never worked at the Troy office where the January explosion happened.

But Hosey testified she researched the Troy location and believed the safety protocols were the same at both centers.

Hosey said she didn’t report the concerns to any outside agencies.

She was the first witness called to the stand in this preliminary hearing.

Volunteers join Home Depot to perform day of service to remember 9/11

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 18:34:22 -0400

Volunteers are working with Home Depot to help build safe spaces for reflection and healing as part of this 9/11 service project dedicated to the men and women who serve and protect.

It was a true labor of love, with the volunteers handling planks of wood, drills, hammers, and more.

"It’s really about teamwork because you might not know how your partner works together, but today you’ve got to follow your instructions and figure that out," said Alana Hart of Team Home Depot.

No building experience was necessary, just a genuine commitment from the group of 100 volunteers participating in this year’s 9/11 service project with the Home Depot Foundation and Tool Bank USA.

"They’re building the picnic tables and park benches from scratch, and then everything that’s built is donated to local nonprofits. These are going to three different veteran organizations around the Detroit area to bring hope to that community, helping those communities build and be strong," said Adam Phlegar of Tool Bank USA.

However, this is about more than building outdoor furniture. It's about providing comfort and support for veterans in the spaces many of them call home. The men and women who fought and served are often among the most vulnerable, living with very little, battling invisible wounds, and facing homelessness.

"Our first goal is to take care of veterans, to prevent them from becoming homeless or to work with organizations that are transitioning them out of homelessness," said Hart. "I remember the store I was in and the moment it happened in history. I know exactly what that looks like, and over the years that I have worked for the company, every year we observe a moment of silence. We think about it, and it’s not really just on 9/11. We celebrate our veterans and our country every day through our projects."

Remembering 9/11: Hundreds of Detroit volunteers pack food for those in need as act of service

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 18:02:10 -0400

More than 450 volunteers in Detroit are rolling up their sleeves, joining forces to pack thousands of meals for those in need on Thursday.

Each meal was an act of service and remembrance of 9/11 and the sense of togetherness that was born out of tragedy.

Each scoop, each bag seal, and each volunteer team is working together. Everyone was serving, packing meals for those in need across Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties.

"What we see behind me here is gonna help close the gap between Forgotten Harvest and some of our agency partners," said Christopher Ivey of Forgotten Harvest. "In Metro Detroit alone, there are over 589,000 people who are hungry every year, and these meals will go a long way to help us close that gap in the food that needs to get to those families."

Their work also served as a reminder to never forget on the 24th anniversary of 9/11.

"Unfortunately, that tragedy happened, and 3,000 people died, but the beauty of it is that we all came together as a nation and a community, and that’s what we need right now," said Ivey.

"A lot of our employees, being in the construction industry, are military veterans or active service members, so to us, it has a very special place," said HR Director Andrea Bloom.

The act is helping not only families here but across the nation through the 9/11 Day nonprofit.

"We started in 2002. One of our founders lost his brother, a volunteer fireman, that day. They formed the nonprofit to change the narrative about 9/11 from a day of supreme loss to a day of service," said 9/11 Day Rep Melissa Bunker. "Now we’re in 24 cities. Today we are packing 9 million meals, but it’s about a day of service as 9/11 is now known."

Thieves crash into Gratiot clothing store, steal $90K of merchandise

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 18:57:25 -0400

Thieves slammed a pickup truck into a Detroit clothing store, stripping it clean and stealing $90,000 of inventory.

It happened this morning at J-Bees clothing store on Gratiot near Seven Mile. The owner says it is the second time in seven months.

You can see shattered glass from the windows, a mangled security gate and tags on the sidewalk.

The owner, Waheed Awan, says he’s beyond disturbed and disappointed.

He said he actually watched the thieves, fully masked, as they pulled up to his store through his security cameras at 5:45 a.m. He says he immediately called 911 asking for help.

"The way it looks, like it was about 10 to 15 people," said Awan. "They grabbed and snatched everything. It’s definitely hurting me. We’ve been doing business here for a long time, about 27 years in this location. It’s a tough time and these types of things are throwing us all back."

Awan says the thieves got away with about $90,000 worth of high-end clothing, shoes, and other products. He said it will cost about $3,700 to pay for new windows and that his security gate cost about $100,000 the first time he installed it.

Making things more challenging, he is not sure what insurance will cover due to the fact it is the second time in seven months he will be reporting a break-in.

Awan says police made arrests in the first theft and he’s hoping the same happens this time.

West Bloomfield police raid on home finds guns, counterfeit cash, and stolen IDs

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 18:53:39 -0400

Guns, counterfeit cash, and stolen IDs are just some of what police say they uncovered in a West Bloomfield home during an early morning raid last week.

On Monday, FOX 2 learned a 19-year-old is at the center of it all, facing a felony charge, but the investigation is still ongoing.

Neighbors say the family, including the 19-year-old, had lived in the home for a few months. During that time, they noticed suspicious activity, and the police caught on.

Neighbors like Dulce Mulbihill along Timberlane Trail in West Bloomfield shared pictures they snapped during the early Wednesday morning raid.

"I heard screaming, you know, 'put your hands up,' and it was scary because I was afraid there might be shootings or something, so we just went to the other side of the house," said Mulbihill.

West Bloomfield police and joint agencies targeted 19-year-old Deago Harrell. The police chief says the teen was connected to another case, leading to his arrest and charge for uttering and publishing counterfeit bills or notes.

"From there, they developed more information that allowed us to get a search warrant, and we executed that search warrant last Wednesday, September 3," said West Bloomfield Police Chief Dale Young. "We had some intelligence information that there may be firearms, and because of that, we responded accordingly."

Investigators believe the teen may have committed check and credit card fraud based on the type of paper they found and the credit card encoder inside the home.

A case of personal bank documents was also found, pointing to a number of unidentified victims. Police are still investigating.

"It’s just surprising that it can happen next door to your house, but not shocked after hearing what’s been going on around the county and a lot of neighborhoods," said neighbor Michael Wallace.

Police urge residents to be cautious online, watching out for scam links and messages that could target your personal information. If you have any personal paper documents, keep them safe, and if they’re no longer needed, shred them.

Witness says Rochester Hills shooting suspect stashed gun, clothes behind business

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 19:46:56 -0400

There are more questions than answers in Rochester Hills after a shocking Labor Day shooting and crash along Rochester Road.

Two people were shot, with one killed after a fight in a hotel parking lot that led to a crash.

The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office said a fight took place outside the Fairfield Inn parking lot with at least three people involved leading to the fatal shooting that left one dead and one wounded.

The crime scene stretches to South Boulevard with tape roping off the area around the crash.

Those working nearby at the time said the driver was involved in the shooting - and caused the crash.

"I was at my mom‘s house across the street," said Anthony Jarulaitis. "When we drove through the accident, you could see that it was something more than an accident. By the time I got out of family dinner the road was shut down and we heard there was a shooting.

"It’s crazy that it happened at the corner where we work, and you’re in Rochester Hills and you don’t think like that stuff happens here."

Jarulaitis is the manager at Haley Stone, the business sandwiched between the hotel and the crash site.

He says gas station security cameras led detectives to their property looking for someone involved – possibly the shooter.

"The sheriffs were here, the canines were here," he said. "And the guy ditched his clothes, ditched the gun, and shoved it in one of our pallets out here."

FOX 2: "So you think this is where he ditched the clothes?"

"Yeah they were shoved underneath one of the pallets and the gun was in the pallet too," he said. "It’s almost like he was taking clothes off as he made it over here, shoved everything there, and then it sounds like that’s where they made it to South Boulevard.

"I have no idea how the accident got created but they got T-boned right outside our back gate."

The sheriff’s office is tight lipped about the investigation but promised updates to come soon.

"Accidents are one thing," said Jarulaitis. "But I never thought gun violence would happen at the corner here."

New 'Women Preferences' let Uber riders, drivers select ahead of time

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 19:27:07 -0400

It’s a first for Detroit and it could be a game-changer for women who ride or drive with Uber.

Now, women can choose to be matched only with other women, thanks to a new safety feature called Women Preferences.

Detroit is one of just three cities in the entire country testing it. Uber says it’s about more control, more comfort and most of all, more safety.

But nearly a week in how’s it actually working on the streets of Detroit? Taniesha Cordell checked it out first-hand.

"It’s 'Mama Liesel’s Flying Fiat,'" quipped driver Liesel Letzmann.

FOX 2: "Well, what do you think about (this change)?"

"You know I grew up in the city, and there are certain things that you learn growing up in Detroit that you have to be cautious, and you have to be careful," Letzmann said. "So I don’t drive at night because of that. But I like having an option where as a driver, I can literally just turn it on and say, women passengers only."

FOX 2: "How often have you used that setting?"

"I haven’t yet, just because with the long daylight and all of that, I haven’t had to worry about it but definitely in the fall and once daylight savings hits.

"I look forward to pushing that button."

Letzmann said that she has seen an increase in female customers requesting her.

"It definitely seems to be a higher percentage of female riders than I’ve typically had in the last few weeks, so I think it’s definitely working already," she said.

Letzmann said that the option has brought a feeling of unity.

"The big thing that I notice with women passengers, is they always make a point when they get out of the car to say ‘Stay safe out here,’" she said. "And I think everybody’s kind of keeping an eye out on everybody else at least in the lady circles."

As a veteran Uber driver, she said there have been some tense moments with passengers she was wary of.

"(There were) definitely times where I was a little more aware of the passenger in the backseat," she said.

As Letzmann drove us around, she showed off her playlist by request and talked about the other Uber safety features she can use.

Options include ride recording, ride tracking and a safety agent she can call.

But she says the Women’s Preference setting is a big next step.

"I’m really glad that it is happening," she said.

Two in custody in connection with Detroit teen Lawrence Dowl after last week's disappearance

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 17:31:47 -0400

On Monday, Detroit police offered a major update in the case of a dead 15-year-old who went missing last week.

Two individuals are now in custody in connection with the death of Lawrence Dowl, who disappeared on the city's west side.

Two people are in custody in connection with the death of a 15-year-old Detroit teen that was found dead at a west side cemetery last week.

Both suspects, identified as adults in their 20s or 30s, were arrested days after Lawrence Dowl's body was discovered. The teen had gone missing days earlier after entering a white SUV and disappearing.

Chief Todd Bettison mentioned the update in the case following a police press conference on Monday.

He added both had a "shady background" but did not provide any more details about their involvement in the case - other than telling media that Dowl had been hanging out with both individuals before he was found dead.

"We have individuals - not just teens - but individuals in their 20s and 30s that are out there gang banging and they need to know that we are not going to tolerate," Bettison said. "That I will bring the heaviest prosecution from the US attorney on a fed level, state level, however I can get you. If I can’t get you for the case itself, we charge you for the bullets and the guns."

Dowl went missing last week after leaving his family home in Detroit.

Both Detroit police and Michigan State Police spent last Thursday afternoon searching a park for evidence of Dowl, but had no luck. Then, late Thursday night, someone visiting a cemetery near 7 Mile and Lahser spotted a body and called 911.

Police later confirmed the body to be Dowl's, adding he was wearing a ski mask and gloves.

The first person-of-interest in police custody turned themselves in shortly after Dowl's body was found, Bettison said. The second individual was arrested on Saturday.

Those are the only details the Detroit police chief mentioned on Monday. Dowl's cause of death remains among the mysteries around the case.

However, he did mention cracking down on gun violence and gang activity in Detroit.

"I have a 6-year-old - this is little Rylee. When I have a little Samir Grubbs, a 4-year-old getting shot and killed in Detroit, when I have that, I’m going to utilize every resource," Bettison said, "and so the US attorney has been steadfast and has dedicated additional attorneys to go after gun violence, and gangs in the City of Detroit and that’s what we’re going to do."

Michigan free school lunches: State's budget remains in flux, what parents should know

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 11:01:13 -0400

Parents getting ready to send their students back to school may be packing or buying lunches this year as the state's budget is still not passed.

Michigan lawmakers are at a stalemate over the 2025-2026 budget. It was supposed to be wrapped up by the end of June, but that deadline passed with lawmakers nowhere close to a deal. Now, with school starting in just a few weeks, a key element in the past few budgets could be at risk as school lunches may not be funded.

The State of Michigan has not passed the K-12 budget bill, which includes funding for the Michigan School Meals program. With its uncertainty still hanging in the air, it's unknown if free meals will be available for all students in the school year.

In 2023, Michigan Democrats controlled the House, Senate, and Governor's office, enabling the passage of a budget that included free lunches and breakfast for all public students, regardless of income.

The free lunches were a key part of Governor Gretchen Whitmer's proposed bill in February 2023. It feeds roughly 1.4 million kids every day and is estimated to save families $850 per year.

The program was first implemented during COVID-19 in 2020. In the following school year, it was continued. But by 2022-2023 school year, the funding was gone and free school lunches were removed.

However, the following budget year, 2023-2024, it returned. In that first year, over 76 million breakfasts and more than 135 million lunches were provided to students.

But the Michigan School Meals program does more than provide free food for children. It also supports Michigan agriculture by encouraging schools to participate in 10 Cents a Meal, a state-funded program that encourages schools to purchase Michigan-grown fruits, vegetables, and dry beans by giving schools an additional 10 cents per meal when the local produce is served in the school meals.

Michigan lawmakers were to have had the K-12 budget in place by the end of June so that schools could prepare for the upcoming school year by July 1. This allows districts to know how much funding they would get from the state – which enables districts to complete their budgets as well.

Don Wotruba is the executive director of the Michigan Association of School Boards.

"We can't negotiate contracts without knowing how much money we are getting from the state," he said in July. "We have a hard time setting up programs. As we've heard through the media the last year, that there are districts looking to make possible staffing changes, possible staffing reductions. We don't know at what level, without knowing what the legislature is doing."

Whitmer, Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D), and GOP Speaker of the House Matt Hall were making progress on how to spend roughly $30 billion. However, they couldn't agree on whether to fix the roads and schools at the same time – or separate the issues.

At the time, it was believed that Democrats had secured funding to continue school funding. However, a state bill has still not been passed.

The previous budget ends on Sept. 30, meaning the first month of school would include free meals but would end on Oct. 1.

With the start of the school year on the horizon, districts have started alerting parents of plans if nothing changes with the budget.

A memo to school districts says in part: "MDE strongly recommends that local districts offer free meals at the beginning of this school year to take advantage of the student health, attendance, and performance benefits of school meals."

And that is what is happening in Northville where after September, the gig is up. The district announced that is when free meals for students will end. About 85 percent of its students take advantage of the free meals.

Dr. RJ Webber is the Northville Public Schools superintendent.

"We ask our educators too well you have to make sure you do this because the state says you do, you have to do that and be on time because that’s a requirement from the state or the federal government," he said. "Yet, it doesn’t feel especially fair or just that here we are a month and a half away from July 1 without a budget and you’re asking me a question about, you know RJ are you going to be able to feed your kids October 2 and I have to look you in the eye Ms. Cordell, and say I don’t know."

Webber called the decision "gut-wrenching." He hopes Michigan's school meal program stays with the State Department of Education planning to give an update Wednesday.

He also shared a pointed message to lawmakers.

"Respectfully, I'd say, and maybe this sounds a little blunt - but do your job," he said. "It's beyond the people who vote for you. It’s the people who vote for you and the kids that they have that you’re impacting by an action."

Schools are still awaiting final information from the lawmakers in Lansing before setting a plan for the upcoming school year.

Most schools start either the last week of August or the first week of September.

Eastpointe family's car gets stolen, found 2 years later, then impounded again

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 21:05:01 -0400

A stolen car in Eastpointe was finally returned to its owner after two years, but it has since been impounded for the second time.

The family who owned the car said they could not get any answers, fearing they may be struck with another massive bill just to get the car back. They also believe confusion between police agencies and the tow yard has left them in limbo, so FOX 2 decided to step in.

Constance Weatherspoon said her son's car was stolen from Madison Heights two years prior, and it was not until April 2025 when he got the call that his car was found, sitting in a Detroit tow yard.

"What I’m thinking is they been found it, but they didn’t call him right away," Weatherspoon said. "He bought parts for it because, you know, he planned on fixing it up. You know, getting it back like it was before it was stolen."

Unfortunately, a few days and thousands of dollars later, Eastpointe Code Enforcement showed up at Constance's home, and towed her son's car, taking it back to an impound lot.

With no call backs or explanation, Constance reached out to FOX 2.

What we found was the car did not have a public VIN number and still appeared stolen in records.

Police stated that the original one was scrapped, and the car was never processed for a new legitimate VIN. They later said they are waiting for an appointed National Insurance Crime Bureau investigator to identify the car.

They sent a statement warning others, saying:

"If purchasing a vehicle or retrieving one from a tow yard please ensure that there is a public VIN displayed under the vehicle windshield."

"If there is no VIN ask the tow company for proper documentation in order to register the vehicle and obtain a replacement VIN from the Secretary Of State."

Eastpointe police say they are working to get Constance's son's car back by the end of the week.

On the other hand, she worries he will be on the hook for tow and impound fees once again.

Multi-car crash on I-96 leaves 19-year-old dead, state police issues caution for drivers

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 19:29:26 -0400

A 19-year-old is dead after a three-car crash on I-96 Wednesday morning.

The incident happened at around 9:30 a.m. at the Kensington Road Exit, where Michigan State Police investigators say the teen behind the wheel of a Chevy Malibu was speeding before he crashed, causing the car to overturn and land onto a construction trailer.

FOX 2 then learned two other teens were in the car with him and were still waiting for an update on their conditions.

Meanwhile, a woman in another vehicle hit in the crash was left with minor injuries and is expected to be okay.

The crash left drivers searching for a new route as the westbound lanes of I-96 were shut down for many hours.

"When you’ve got young people in the car, you’re on the freeway, a nice car and going 100 miles an hour. That’s just not good," said MSP Lt. Rene Gonzalez.

According to witnesses, the 19-year-old was speeding, going over 100 mph in the right westbound lane.

They later say at some point the car swerved into the middle lane and hit a vehicle, with both losing control and hitting a third vehicle.

The 19-year-old died in the crash. It is unknown at this time if alcohol or drugs were involved.

"One of the hardest things that we have to do is deliver a death notification, especially when it’s someone so young and had their whole life ahead of them," Gonzalez said "That’s tough to tell a parent."

MSP told FOX 2 that several other accidents occurred in the backup traffic on I-96 as a result of the crash.

State police are reminding drivers to pay attention when on the road.

DTE prepares for extreme weather with repairs to aging equipment, crackdown on outages

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 19:00:40 -0400

DTE says they are stepping up to combat power outages as the Metro Detroit heat rises within the week.

Residents may be too familiar with their power cycle as severe storms roll through, leaving many in the dark, and without air conditioning, leaving people stuck in the raging heat.

DTE announced that in preparation for more extreme weather, the utility company is expected to repair and replace aging equipment to crackdown on outages.

Crews were towering over power lines in Detroit, repairing transformers and trying to make sure the lights stay on during the upcoming heatwave and the storms that may follow.

Jerry Tullio with DTE Field Operations says more Metro Detroit homes and buildings on the grid are now creating more demand, especially in the heat. So, when it gets hot and everyone cranks up their AC, the power grid can get overwhelmed, fueling more outages.

"We have people on standby ready to respond to any of the power outages that are coming our way," said Tullio. "We’re looking at transformers, we’re looking at wires. We’re looking at sectionalizing devices that allow us to reroute power whenever there’s a power outage or when there’s a need based off of the load and the various things that are happening on the grid. We’re investing $1.5 billion a year in our grid so we’re constantly upgrading it, constantly replacing various pieces of equipment."

While DTE crews take on those repairs, FOX 2 was told keeping them cool and safe in the heat is key, but the same goes for customers.

Tullio listed some tips people at home can follow.

"There’s a few things that we suggest they do: pull the shades down in their house, raise the temperature in their house up to 78 degrees. That will also help keep bills a little more affordable, and reroute the air in their house to where they’re actually staying by closing the registers," said Tullio.

Accidental teen shooting by 13-year-old leads to arrests of boy, gun owner

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 17:36:14 -0400

A 13-year-old has been detained after a suspected accidental shooting wounded a second teen.

The shooting happened at 5 p.m. off Kercheval on the city's east side Monday.

Detroit police found two guns - one of them accidentally fired by the boy hitting another teen hit but expected to be okay, investigators say.

"It’s senseless gun play, there’s no excuse for it, none," said Steve Dolunt, retired assistant Detroit police chief.

The teen was detained by police along with the owner of the guns - charged under the state’s secure storage law.

Dolunt says the accident was preventable.

"Owning a gun, it’s a right, but it’s also a privilege," he said. "You’re supposed to use common sense when you own a weapon.

"You either unload the weapon or keep it locked, where the kids can’t get it."

The State Health Department is sounding the alarm on gun violence calling it a "public health crisis."

Their team reports that firearm injuries are the leading cause of deaths statewide among kids between the ages of one and 19.

It’s why the safe storage law was passed. That law requires gun owners with minors present to secure their gun in a locked box or storage with a locking device.

If not – and something happens, under the law the gun owner is liable for any harm caused by a minor who gets their hands on their weapon.

"From what I've seen when I was on the job, too many people feel that if they come and ask for a gun lock, the cops are going to do a background check on them," Dolunt said. "They’re not. you’re being responsible."

Dolunt is urging more adults and gun owners to do the right thing and take responsibility or pay the consequences.

"I’ve seen so many little kids get shot through carelessness by adults," he said. "Take a free gun lock. You can get it anytime of the year and we’re not going to run your name. We’re not going to hold it against you. You’re being a responsible adult."

Innocent Uber driver killed in Macomb County police chase

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 09:21:39 -0400

An innocent driver killed during a police chase early Saturday in Macomb County is remembered as a passionate and dedicated father.

UPDATE: Teen in stolen car causes fatal crash while fleeing police

Family and friends say Alex Habib was the man hit and killed during a police chase that ended at 11 Mile and Van Dyke in Warren around 3 a.m. He was the only person in the vehicle, but was driving for Uber at the time.

Roseville police said the chase began in their city after a 16-year-old allegedly stole a vehicle and fled officers. It is unclear if Habib was hit by the fleeing suspect or police, as police have released little about what happened.

More details about the chase and crash are expected later Monday.

The victim, a husband and father of two young children, was a server at Jim Brady's at Royal Oak. Owner Tom Brady described how Habib always brought up the moods of others at the restaurant.

"We've got a tight team. When you do restaurants the right way, they're families," he said. "He's just one of those guys, when he's in the building, he just brought everybody up a couple of clicks."

Brady said he plans to organize a fundraiser to support Habib's family. In the meantime, you can help by donating to a GoFundMe set up for the family.

Watch FOX 2 News Live

Michigan McDonald's employee held at gunpoint by customer after allegedly stabbing manager to death

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 08:10:30 -0400

After witnessing a woman stabbing her manager to death inside an Eastpointe McDonald's restaurant on Thursday, a customer licensed to carry a gun stepped in to make sure the suspect couldn't leave.

It happened Tuesday morning at a McDonald's on 9 Mile.

According to police, 39-year-old Jennifer Harris and the 26-year-old suspect were involved in an argument that resulted in Harris sending the employee home. However, that employee came back with a mask on just before 8 a.m. and allegedly stabbed Harris to death.

During the attack, a customer was in the drive-through and witnessed what was happening. That customer, a concealed pistol license holder, fired a shot into the air to break up the fight.

Another witness said they tried to break up the attack but there "was no stopping her."

After the assault stopped, the suspect tried to flee, police said, but the armed customer held her at gunpoint and stopped her from getting away.

Harris, a single mother of six, is being remembered as a good person who worked hard and showed kindness to everybody. Her family said they can't believe what happened to her at the job she had held for 15 years.

"She was so good to everybody," her daughter Antonia Griffin said. "I don't understand why she had to kill her."

Harris' family said they had met the suspect and were not aware of any issues between the two before the murder.

Yusef Alcodray, the owner of the locally owned McDonald's franchise, also responded to the stabbing, releasing a statement:

"We are deeply saddened by this tragic incident, and our hearts go out to the victim's family and loved ones. Violence of any kind is unacceptable in my restaurants, and we are taking this matter extremely serious, as the safety and well-being of our employees and customers is our top priority. We are fully cooperating with law enforcement as they conduct their investigation, and the restaurant will remain closed until further notice."

The suspect, who has not yet been identified, is expected to be arraigned Friday.

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Video shows Warren domestic violence suspect fatally shooting self after firing at police during chase

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 07:42:02 -0400

Video released Thursday shows that a man involved in a shootout with Warren police earlier this week shot and killed himself.

Watch the video above. WARNING: It contains graphic images.

Rakim Wright, 32, fled officers after allegedly strangling his girlfriend early Tuesday. That pursuit led to Wright firing at officers from a car before a shootout that ended with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Police said officers were called to the 13000 block of Prospect in Warren early Tuesday after a woman called 911 to report that her boyfriend had strangled her and tried to light the home on fire. Before officers arrived, the suspect had fled in a vehicle.

Officers determined that the man, who family members identified as Rakim Wright, may have been inside his vehicle in the area of McNichols and Van Dyke in Detroit. According to police, officers did locate the car in that area and tried to stop the suspect, but he fled.

A chase continued with the suspect shooting at officers from his vehicle, according to police. Eventually, Wright stopped in the area of Castle Avenue and Kenney Street and fled on foot. Police said he continued to shoot at officers, who returned fire.

Shortly after running away, police said they located Wright with a gunshot wound to the head.

Warren police decided to release video of the encounter after family and witnesses said that Wright was unarmed and shot by officers, statements police called "blatantly incorrect narratives."

Dashcam video showed police pursuing Wright in Detroit. During that chase, Wright began shooting at police before ditching his car and fleeing on foot. An officer is seen shooting at Wright. However, another camera angle shows Wright putting a gun, which was later determined to be stolen, to his head and pulling the trigger. The gun was recovered from his hand when officers approached to provide aid.

According to Warren Police Lt. John Gajewski, Wright died from a close-range, self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. Two officers fired eight shots, none of which struck Wright, Gajewski said.

This video refutes claims by Wright's family and witnesses that police killed him, as well as rumors that he was not armed and did not shoot at officers.

Police said Tuesday was not their first encounter with Wright. According to Gajewski, he was arrested last year for assaulting the same victim he allegedly strangled.

Wright also had previous arrests for assault with a dangerous weapon, malicious destruction of property, and felony weapons charges.

The two officers who fired shots, along with their partners, are on administrative leave.

Warren police are reviewing the use of force, while Michigan State Police conduct an independent review.

Watch FOX 2 News Live

Brutal abuse allegations made against Pontiac man, allegedly beating boys ages 1, 9

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 19:40:09 -0400

A 9-year-old boy who brutally beaten and choked is out of the hospital. The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office telling us he is now with his mother.

Meanwhile, the father accused of abusing him and his 1-year-old brother - still behind bars.

Neighbors on South Edith Road in Pontiac are shocked at the allegations against Cedric Moore.

"It saddens me. I am hurt, disappointed, and I’m praying that the kids - somebody will love them," said a neighbor.

Several residents pointed FOX 2 to the home of Moore, 38, with each of them recalling Thursday night.

"I come down my street and that’s when I saw they were all in front of Cedric‘s house," said neighbor James Dodson.

"I heard the ambulance and then next thing I know, Oakland County Sheriff was all over this place, kicked his door in all types of things," the other neighbor said.

Oakland County Sheriff's deputies say Moore went to the store leaving his two boys a 9- and 1-year old home alone. That was when the 9-year-old ran to a neighbor for help, calling 911.

Investigators discovered a possible history of brutal abuse, said Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard.

"The older child had been beaten pretty heavily with a variety of things including the wooden portion of a broom and then choked unconscious, and told that it was going to continue throughout the night," said Bouchard. "The younger child according to the older child, had been thrown into the crib when the child was crying because he was hungry.

"It looks like that baby that one year-old may have some historic injuries that may resemble burn marks like a cigarette."

Moore is facing several child abuse charges and is now being held on a $100,000 bond.

But from the looks of county records this is not his first run in with the law.

Back in 2006 he was found guilty of domestic assault and battery and over the years, a handful of other domestic violence cases that were dismissed.

This current investigation – with Moore's children at the center of it, is still ongoing.

The 9-year-old is recovering with his mother and the 1-year-old who has a different mother, is with Child Protective Services.

"There was times he needed things and we were there for him," a neighbor said. "We never ever thought this was going on.
I just pray for no other kid have to go through this."

Upgrades at GLWA treatment plant leads to flooding on Lodge, water quality issues

Fri, 27 Jun 2025 18:19:16 -0400

It isn't severe weather or a broken water main that has flooded the Lodge highway this week.

Instead, work from the regional water authority has stirred a chain reaction that has disrupted travel and worsened water quality for dozens of people and businesses in downtown Detroit.

Flooding on one of Detroit's busiest highways started after the Great Lakes Water Authority began upgrades on its Water Works Park Treatment Plant.

According to the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department, the improvements require flushing hydrants to clear the system. The deputy director said the regulator needs to change the direction of flow from time to time.

But the decision backfired, causing flooding on the Lodge, shutting the freeway down for hours.

"It wasn’t that much water, but unfortunately, the basins underneath Huntington Plaza are blocked," Sam Smalley said.

The basins are monitored by the Michigan Department of Transportation. Smalley said DWSD dispatched crews to help clear the basins out.

While DWSD is not the cause of the problem, it is now the home of 50 to 60 water quality complaints. That's because the water quality at businesses like Harbortown and the Renaissance Center has worsened.

"Basically we see the impact from Water works Park to Woodward up to Lafayette," Smalley said. "That’s kind of the boundary of area that’s been impacted,"

According to Smalley, the water quality tests are coming back okay.

That includes exams for bacteria and chlorine. The department is working to fix the cloudiness that's coming up in the water.

While fixes are on the way, anyone with water quality concerns is advised to report it.

Missing 82-year-old Ann Arbor man found and saved after massive search effort

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 18:33:58 -0400

An 82-year-old man with Parkinson’s who was missing for two days in Ann Arbor has been found.

Police call it one of their most intense search and rescue operations yet.

It was an extensive search stretching over 51 hours in extreme heat as Ann Arbor police activated drones, choppers, multiple agencies, and more than 200 community volunteers.

"The clock was ticking. It was clear that it was going to be challenging for him to remain alive," said Ann Arbor Police Chief Andre Anderson. "He just got a little too far off from his normal surroundings and it looked like he tried to make his way back."

Everyone set out looking for Ralph Yang, the 82-year-old with Parkinson’s, an active walker with his wife, who happened to wander off Monday without her.

"He may have slipped into the water down there, and I don't know if he was strong enough to get himself far enough away from that incline and get back out of there," said Anderson.

After several days of searching, he was found alive, with police bodycam video showing the moment of relief. Yang was found lying in a creek just off a trail on Newport Road.

Ben Osenbaugh, who runs in the area often, led officers to Yang after finding him and calling 911.

"I started walking in a little bit and that's when I was in the right spot at the right time and I saw his white shirt," Osenbaugh said. "It seemed a little surreal because you know you just don't expect to actually find the person that you're looking for in a lot of these efforts."

A remarkable ending, with Yang being reunited with his wife.

"Our first priority was to get him to the hospital, which we did," said Anderson. "The community and the police department having the spirit to find him and his indomitable will to survive is what led to the success."

Police say Yang did suffer some dehydration but should be home in about a day or two.

In the meantime, they're urging the community, anyone with family members who have a physical or mental health condition, to have a plan.

If anything goes wrong or you need help, call 911.

Sterling Heights officers accused of excessive force in court for preliminary hearing

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 17:39:34 -0400

Two Sterling Heights police officers charged in connection with an excessive force case during the pursuit and arrest of a domestic violence suspect were in court Thursday.

The preliminary hearing for James Sribniak and Jack Currie took place in Macomb County. Both are accused of using a K-9 against the suspect, who investigators say was already on the ground and being cuffed.

Both bodycam and dashcam video played during an all-day hearing in Roseville District Court where two cops charged with misconduct and felonious assault are waiting to learn if they'll stand trial.

James Sribniak, 31, and Jack Currie, 29, were both part of the squad of officers who pursued Gary Young in February 2024. The domestic violence suspect had been involved in an incident with his girlfriend and her 16-year-old daughter when police were dispatched.

He led police on a chase before they caught up with him.

Video of the arrest, which included officers tasing Young, delivering blows, and siccing a K9 unit on him before placing him in cuffs, was played from multiple vantages.

Robert Hayes, an assistant attorney general, cross-examined the Sterling Heights lieutenant who is now overseeing internal affairs investigations within the department.

At one point, he asked Lt. Jason Bisdorf about his assessment of the case.

"There was no signs that Mr. Young was using deadly force against the officers?," Hayes asked.

Objections from defense attorneys followed immediately afterwards - and continued to show up throughout the case. At one point, Sribniak's attorney apologized for "being melodramatic" but told the court he was bothered by the charges brought against his client.

"It offends me that he is trained to do something. He is in compliance with his training, and yet they want to say that’s a crime?," said Arthur Jay Weiss.

Police practices including when its appropriate to use a taser and how to determine when someone is actively resisting arrest were part of the testimony Thursday.

More testimony is expected at a future court date in the next two weeks.