Macomb County authorities say that 53-year-old Joel Masching, of Clinton Township, has arraigned on a litany of charges after an alleged crime spree that took place over several days and ended with a wrong-way crash on I-94 in Detroit.
It is alleged that on Jan. 11, Masching assaulted a woman. Later the same day, he broke into her residence and assaulted her again. A call was placed to the police and Masching allegedly fled.
On Jan. 16, authorities say the woman reported Masching was calling her repeatedly and driving across her lawn. Warren Police located him at 10 Mile Road and Schoenherr.
Officers attempted a traffic stop with emergency lights and sirens activated; however, Masching allegedly disregarded the officers and fled. A high-speed pursuit ensued, which authorities discontinued near 9 Mile Road and I-94.
Two days later, officers located Masching at 11 Mile and Schoenherr. Officers in marked patrol vehicles attempted to box in Masching’s vehicle. He allegedly backed into a police vehicle and then accelerated forward, forcing an officer who was outside his patrol unit to move out of the vehicle’s path to avoid being struck.
Officers pursued Masching through Warren and into Detroit, when he allegedly disregarded traffic control devices. Masching is further alleged to have driven the wrong way on Conner Avenue and entered the eastbound I-94 exit ramp, where he crashed into vehicles exiting the freeway.
It is further alleged that a search of Masching’s vehicle uncovered crack cocaine, Methamphetamine, Fentanyl, Ecstasy, Alprazolam, psychedelic mushrooms, along with scales and vials consistent with drug distribution.
Subsequent investigation allegedly resulted in the execution of search warrants, leading to the discovery of additional controlled substances at his residence in Clinton Township and at a business, Cornerstone Brick, in Fraser.
On Jan. 20, Masching was arraigned before Judge Suzanne Faunce in the 37th District Court in Warren on the following charges:
• Controlled Substance – Delivery/manufacture – Methamphetamine/ecstasy, a 20-year felony
• Controlled Substance – Delivery/manufacture – Methamphetamine, a 20-year felony
• Controlled Substance – Delivery/manufacture – (Cocaine, Heroin or other Narcotic) Less than 50 Grams, a 20-year felony
• Controlled Substance – Delivery/manufacture – (Cocaine, Heroin or other Narcotic) Less than 50 Grams, a 20-year felony
• Home Invasion – 2nd Degree, a 15-year felony
• Police Officer – Fleeing - Third Degree – Vehicle Code, a 5-year felony
• Police Officer – Fleeing - Fourth Degree – Vehicle Code, a 2-year felony
• Police Officer – Assaulting/Resisting/Obstructing, a 2-year felony
• Domestic Violence – Second Offense Notice, a 1-year misdemeanor
• Habitual Offender, 2nd Offense Notice, an aggravating sentencing factor
Authorities said additional charges may be forthcoming.
Faunce set Masching’ bond at $200,000 cash/surety. If released, he must wear a steel cuff GPS tether, consume no drugs/alcohol and have no contact with the victim.
Masching is scheduled for a probable cause conference on Feb. 3.
It is alleged that on Jan. 11, Masching assaulted a woman. Later the same day, he broke into her residence and assaulted her again. A call was placed to the police and Masching allegedly fled.
On Jan. 16, authorities say the woman reported Masching was calling her repeatedly and driving across her lawn. Warren Police located him at 10 Mile Road and Schoenherr.
Officers attempted a traffic stop with emergency lights and sirens activated; however, Masching allegedly disregarded the officers and fled. A high-speed pursuit ensued, which authorities discontinued near 9 Mile Road and I-94.
Two days later, officers located Masching at 11 Mile and Schoenherr. Officers in marked patrol vehicles attempted to box in Masching’s vehicle. He allegedly backed into a police vehicle and then accelerated forward, forcing an officer who was outside his patrol unit to move out of the vehicle’s path to avoid being struck.
Officers pursued Masching through Warren and into Detroit, when he allegedly disregarded traffic control devices. Masching is further alleged to have driven the wrong way on Conner Avenue and entered the eastbound I-94 exit ramp, where he crashed into vehicles exiting the freeway.
It is further alleged that a search of Masching’s vehicle uncovered crack cocaine, Methamphetamine, Fentanyl, Ecstasy, Alprazolam, psychedelic mushrooms, along with scales and vials consistent with drug distribution.
Subsequent investigation allegedly resulted in the execution of search warrants, leading to the discovery of additional controlled substances at his residence in Clinton Township and at a business, Cornerstone Brick, in Fraser.
On Jan. 20, Masching was arraigned before Judge Suzanne Faunce in the 37th District Court in Warren on the following charges:
• Controlled Substance – Delivery/manufacture – Methamphetamine/ecstasy, a 20-year felony
• Controlled Substance – Delivery/manufacture – Methamphetamine, a 20-year felony
• Controlled Substance – Delivery/manufacture – (Cocaine, Heroin or other Narcotic) Less than 50 Grams, a 20-year felony
• Controlled Substance – Delivery/manufacture – (Cocaine, Heroin or other Narcotic) Less than 50 Grams, a 20-year felony
• Home Invasion – 2nd Degree, a 15-year felony
• Police Officer – Fleeing - Third Degree – Vehicle Code, a 5-year felony
• Police Officer – Fleeing - Fourth Degree – Vehicle Code, a 2-year felony
• Police Officer – Assaulting/Resisting/Obstructing, a 2-year felony
• Domestic Violence – Second Offense Notice, a 1-year misdemeanor
• Habitual Offender, 2nd Offense Notice, an aggravating sentencing factor
Authorities said additional charges may be forthcoming.
Faunce set Masching’ bond at $200,000 cash/surety. If released, he must wear a steel cuff GPS tether, consume no drugs/alcohol and have no contact with the victim.
Masching is scheduled for a probable cause conference on Feb. 3.
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