WARREN (WWJ) -- A Clinton Township man appeared in court on a felony charge on Monday after it's alleged he sped away from police in Warren last fall.
According to the Macomb County Prosecutor's office, 53-year-old Joel Masching was driving his Mercedes on Schoenherr Rd. on Nov. 25, 2025, when a Warren police officer — in a marked car with lights activated — tried to pull him over.
When it's alleged that Masching ignored the officer and kept on driving, the officer activated his siren, and Masching sped away.
A short time later, the officer abandoned the pursuit "due to excessive speeds," according to the prosecutor's office.
Investigators were able to determine that the Mercedes involved in the chase was registered to Masching. Officers executed a search warrant, found the car in Masching's garage, and he was arrested.
Masching was arraigned in 37th District Court Monday on a charge of fourth degree fleeing an eluding, which is a two-year felony. He was also charged as as a habitual offender, prosecutors said.
Masching’s bond was set at $50,000 cash/surety only. If released, he must wear a GPS tether.
“Fleeing and eluding law enforcement is a serious problem. The allegations suggest an extreme risk to innocent drivers, pedestrians, and officers who are simply doing their jobs. That is why I am calling for mandatory minimum jail sentences for those convicted, to hold offenders accountable and protect public safety,” said Macomb County Prosecutor Pete Lucido, in a statement.
Masching’s next scheduled court date is a Probable Cause Conference on Feb. 17.