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Man charged in incident that killed 2
A Detroit man on probation with two prior convictions for stealing cars has been charged with driving two other car thieves to Roseville where they died fleeing police. Anthony Brock, 19, surrendered himself to Roseville police late Monday on the advice of his attorney James Galen Jr. of Clinton Township. Police have been in contact with Galen since last week to make arrangements for a surrender. |
During the Jan. 13 chase at Gratiot and Utica Road, Christopher Brown and Benjamin Hamblin died in a stolen Dodge Ram truck. Brock stood mute at his arraignment Tuesday with receiving and concealing a stolen motor vehicle, a 5-year felony; and fourth-degree fleeing and eluding police, a 2-year felony. Brock is being held in the Macomb County Jail in lieu of $200,000 bond set by 39th District Judge Marco Santia.
A preliminary examination is scheduled for 8:15 a.m. Jan. 27. But Galen said his client, who admits driving the two men to steal cars in Roseville, probably will work out a plea agreement with the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office.
Roseville Deputy Police Chief James Berlin said Brown and Hamblin were passengers in a stolen Jeep Liberty that Brock was driving. Berlin said Brock dropped them off next to a Dodge Rani pickup truck that was parked in a lot on Gratiot, near 13 Mile Road.
"Brock was still driving the stolen Jeep which Brown and Hamblin were following," Berlin said. "Our officers, who were called by witnesses, said the vehicles were going southbound on Gratiot and tried to stop them."
Police said both vehicles sped off at a high rate of speed until Brown and Hamblin crashed at Utica Road. Berlin said the suspects were driving at a high rate of speed while going through red lights and cutting off other drivers.
Brown and Hamblin were pronounced dead at the scene.
"We had great cooperation from the witnesses," Berlin said. "We also had many calls from people giving us information on the man (Brock) we were looking for."
Galen said he contacted Berlin last Thursday and discussed his client surrendering. He said Roseville police surrounded Brock's mother's house Monday.
Galen said he called Roseville police and told them he would bring his client in.
"My client was running the risk of facing a felony murder charge because of the deaths." Galen said.