WARREN (WWJ) -- Manslaughter and other charges have been filed against a Warren police officer who was allegedly speeding when authorities say he caused a rollover crash that killed two people.
The Macomb County Sheriff's Office on Friday announced the charges against Officer James Burke, in connection with the incident at 5 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 30, on Schoenherr Rd. in Warren.
Per the MCSO investigation, the Warren police cruiser was traveling southbound on Schoenherr at a high rate of speed when it hit a Dodge Durango SUV which was turning left from northbound Schoenherr onto Prospect Ave.
Both the driver and passenger of the Durango — 34-year-old Cedric Hayden, Jr., and 33-year-old DeJuan Pettis — were killed in the crash.
Burke, who was driving the police cruiser, and his 34-year-old passenger, another Warren officer, were injured.
Burke, 28, was arraigned via Zoom on Friday 37th District Court on the following charges:
• Two counts: Homicide – Manslaughter with a motor vehicle; a fifteen-year felony
• One count: Moving violation causing serious impairment of body function; a 93-day misdemeanor
• One count: Public Officer – Willful neglect of duty; a one-year misdemeanor.
The judge set a $100,000 personal recognizance bond for Burke.
“Our thoughts remain with those whose lives were impacted by this tragic crash,” said Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham, in a statement. “We hope the conclusion of this investigation begins to bring a sense of closure and healing as they continue to navigate this difficult time.”
While authorities have not said why the officers were traveling at what lawyers said were speeds upwards of 100 mph, police said the officers were not involved in a chase at the time of the crash.
According to Fieger Law, which has filed a $100 million civil lawsuit, Hayden and Pettis were best friends.
In a press release Friday afternoon, officials with the Warren Police Department responded to the charges, calling it “a tragedy for all involved.”
“Two police officers sustained serious injuries and the lives of two young men were lost. The driver of the police vehicle, Officer James Burke, has been with our department for nearly three years and served honorably at another law enforcement agency for five years prior to joining our Department,” the release said. “He comes from a law enforcement family and has an impeccable record of public service with multiple public service awards and accolades, including a 2024 Medal of Valor for heroism in the line of duty. Officer Burke had no history of problematic driving or any prior incidents of concern before this tragic accident. Still, the seriousness of this accident involving a police officer necessitated an independent review by the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office.”
Burke has been on administrative leave since the day of the crash and now that the criminal investigation has concluded, department officials say the internal investigation will “examine this incident looking for Officer Burke’s compliance with Warren Police Policies and Procedures.”
As required by the collective bargaining agreement, he will be given a due process hearing to determine the future of his employment with the Warren Police Department after the internal investigation is concluded. He will not return to work from his administrative leave before that hearing occurs.
The officer who was riding in the front seat of Burke’s car is not being charged with a crime. He has also been on administrative leave since the sheriff’s office’s investigation began. Following Friday’s update, the second officer will be cleared to return to work once he fully recovers from the serious injuries he sustained in the crash.
“Again, the Warren Police Department recognizes the gravity of this tragic incident and extends our deepest sympathies to the victims’ family and friends. We also continue to pray for the full recovery of our injured officers,” the release said. “Despite this difficult time, the men and women of this Department remain dedicated to serving our community with the utmost integrity and professionalism. The Department is committed to learning from this incident and moving forward towards our never-ending goal of excellence in law enforcement and public service.”