(WWJ) A Detroit teen has been charged with murder, as an adult, after police say he led them on a chase that ended with a deadly crash last weekend.
Daniel Shane Canales, 16, appeared in a Macomb County courtroom for an arraignment Thursday on one count of Second Degree Murder, as well as First Degree Fleeing a Police Officer, Driving on a Revoked or Suspended License, and Unlawful Driving Away in a Motor Vehicle.
According to investigators, on July 12, the teen was involved in a high-speed police chase starting in Clinton Township before running a red light at 11 Mile Rd. and Van Dyke in Warren.
That's where he crashed into another car, killing Alex Habib, a 28-year-old father from Madison Heights.
Habib, was driving for Uber at the time of the crash, and also worked as a server at Jim Brady's in Royal Oak.
Officials said Habib left behind a wife, a 1 year old daughter, and a 3 month old son.
The teen was driving a stolen vehicle, according to prosecutors, and is suspected to be involved with a group of car thieves targeting vehicles across Macomb County.
Bond was denied, and Canales remains held at the Juvenile Justice Center in Mount Clemens.
“This remains a deeply troubling case,” Macomb County Prosecutor Pete Lucido said, following the arraignment. “While Canales is a minor, the charges allege that his decision to flee from police resulted in the death of an innocent man. There must be consequences.”
Lucido continued, in a statement: “Charging a juvenile as an adult is never routine, but given the severity of this case, it was necessary. Accountability matters, regardless of age. Our responsibility is to seek justice, and that means proceeding with the full weight of the law.”
Lucido is actively calling on Michigan lawmakers to come together in support of strong, bipartisan legislation to address the growing public safety threat of drivers who refuse to stop for law enforcement.
The Michigan House is now taking up a bill that would impose tougher penalties on those who refuse to stop for police.
“Every time someone runs, they roll the dice with innocent lives. I want to end that gamble,” Lucido said. “We need statutory enhancement of consequences including mandatory prison time. The people of the state of Michigan deserve to be protected.”
Canales will be back in court for a Probable Cause Conference set for Monday, July 28.
He faces up to live in prison if convicted as charged.