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Driver charged with smashing cars, nearly hitting man outside Shelby Township restaurant

Police are still investigating to see if drugs or alcohol were a factor

SHELBY TOWNSHIP, Mich. – A man was arrested after police say he intentionally rammed into cars at a restaurant parking lot in Shelby Township.

It happened late Wednesday (May 22) night at Johnny Black’s Taphouse on Schoenherr Road.

Video shows a truck smashing into several parked cars, nearly hitting a man who jumped out of the way just in time.

Shelby Township police say the driver, Ervin Smajlaj of Sterling Heights, was arrested and charged.

Police are still investigating to see if drugs or alcohol were a factor.

No one was hurt, but several cars were damaged.

“It could have been much worse,” the restaurant’s managing partner, Edward Firestine, said. “For as crazy as it was, at least no one was hurt. There was vehicle damage, which isn’t very good, but that can be repaired.”


About the Author
Jacqueline Francis headshot

Jacqueline Francis is an award-winning journalist who joined the WDIV team in September 2022. Prior to Local 4, she reported for the NBC affiliate in West Michigan. When she’s not on the job, Jacqueline enjoys taking advantage of all the wonders Michigan has to offer, from ski trips up north to beach days with her dog, Ace.

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