DETROIT (WWJ) -- A Detroit man is facing more than a dozen charges, including second degree murder, for his involvement in a police chase that led to the fatal shooting of a passenger in his car easrlier this week.
Christopher Lee Cavin, 29, is also facing several other charges after the incident that left 41-year-old Kevin Daniel Pudick, of Jackson, dead.
Detroit police officers attempted a traffic stop of Cavin's car shortly before 2:30 p.m. on Monday in the area of Michigan Avenue and 31st Street. Prosecutors say Cavin failed to pull over and sped off in his car that had no license plate. Detroit police began chasing Cavin's car on side streets and main roads, before heading onto I-75. Michigan State Police joined the chase.
Prosecutors say as Cavin and Pudick were being pursued, they both made gestures as if they were retrieving something at their feet. Cavin's car traveled southbound on West End Street and West Fort Street when it spun out of control and came to a stop, according to prosecutors.
When officers exited their cars and attempted to arrest the two men, Cavin began ramming police cars in an attempt to flee. He then allegedly drove his car at a Detroit officer, causing him to fall so that he was pinned between Cavin's car and a concrete wall. Fearing that the officer was in grave danger, officers at the scene fired their weapons into Cavin's car, striking both men.
Cavin and Pudick were both taken to a local before Pudick succumbed to his injuries.
The police retrieved two loaded handguns from the floorboard in the front passenger compartment of Cavin's car. It is also alleged that cocaine and MDMA/Ecstasy were recovered from his car.
In addition to the second degree murder charges, Cavin has also been charged with assault with intent to murder, two counts of fleeing and eluding a police officer, two counts of possession of a controlled substance, two counts of carrying a concealed weapon and five felony firearm charges.
Arrangements will be made for Cavin to be arraigned on Thursday, June 6, 2019, by a magistrate in a local hospital. Please request a photograph of the defendant from the Detroit Police Department after the arraignment.
