(WWJ) – A Roseville man has been found guilty of a long list of charges, including manslaughter, for a deadly crash while fleeing police in a stolen truck nearly two years ago.
Vertese Woods, 43, learned the verdict last Friday following a four-day trial in Macomb County.
On Dec. 20, 2021 police tried to arrest Woods as he got into a stolen car in Mt. Clemens, but he tried to escape. Authorities say he hit a police car and parking meter before taking off speeding.
While fleeing at upwards of 80 mph, officials say Woods slammed the stolen pickup into a Ford Fusion driven by a 58-year-old woman in the area of Cass and South Rose.
The woman was taken to the hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.
Authorities said at the time bystanders helped Woods out of the truck, but he still tried to run. Macomb County Prosecutor Pete Lucido said he “shed his jacket in an attempt to change his identity” and stole a kids’ bike as he tried to flee.
While Woods was initially charged with second-degree murder, the jury ultimately found him guilty of manslaughter, as well as the following charges:
• Fleeing police in the first degree
• Operating a vehicle with a suspended license causing death
• Receiving and concealing a motor vehicle
• Failure to stop at the scene of an accident resulting in death
• Two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon
• Moving violation causing death
• Malicious destruction of property
• Larceny less than $200
The manslaughter, fleeing and operating with a suspended license charges carry a penalty of up to 15 years in prison.
“This is a reminder that recklessness behind the wheel, compounded by a blatant disregard for law enforcement, can have devastating consequences,” Lucido said. “The Macomb County jury delivered a resounding verdict that shows our resolve to protect our community and seek justice for the victims.”
The prosecutor’s office did not say when Woods will be sentenced.