WARREN, Mich. – The family of one victim killed in the deadly crash on Sept. 30 in Warren filed a $100 million lawsuit against the city and the officers involved in the crash.
Background
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The crash happened at around 5 a.m. Monday, Sept. 30, 2024, on Schoenherr Road, just south of Toepfer Road—north of 8 Mile Road.
Authorities said two Warren police officers were in a marked patrol SUV traveling on Schoenherr near Prospect when they collided with a white Dodge Durango that was attempting to turn onto Prospect from Schoenherr.
Victims killed, officers injured
Both Warren officers were seriously injured. According to police, one officer broke several bones and had head trauma. Warren Fire Department extricated the officer from the patrol car. Both officers were taken to a local hospital, where they are listed as stable. One officer underwent extensive surgery.
Warren police said both the driver and the passenger of the Dodge Durango, 34-year-old Cedric Hayden and 33-year-old DeJuan Pettis, died.
Family members said on Monday that Hayden and Pettis were lifelong best friends. They were very well-known and beloved in the area.
“Be on the lookout call”
Officials said the officers were responding to a “Be on the lookout call” for a stolen Jeep Grand Cherokee, and the officers were told there were stolen handguns in that stolen SUV.
During the pursuit, Warren police did not activate their lights or sirens as they crashed full speed into the driver of the Durango, Hayden, and passenger, Pettis, who were turning down their street to go home.
The video shows the direct impact, which was in a blur as the officers were speeding rapidly before colliding head-on with the Durango.
Earlier in the week, Warren officials confirmed the crash was not a result of a chase.
“At no time were these officers engaged in a pursuit of the white Dodge Durango or any other vehicle when the crash occurred,” said Warren police in the press release sent out on Oct. 1.
But Warren’s police dispatch radio explained what the officers were responding to.
“Be on the lookout for a black Jeep Grand Cherokee on Schoenherr and 10 Mile. There are also two guns in the vehicle as well.”
The officers went back on their radio and said they were going to respond to that, and in an instant came the horrifying crash.
Police confirmed they were chasing a suspect in connection to a business break-in that happened near the crash a few hours after it occurred.
Officials said Hayden and Pettis were not suspects in any business break-ins.
Police clarified that the Dodge Durango was legally registered to Pettis and was never considered or investigated as a stolen vehicle.
Macomb County Sheriff’s Office said they are investigating the situation and working to find a solution.
$100 million lawsuit filed
Fieger Law filed a lawsuit on behalf of Hayden’s estate on Oct. 4, 2024.
In the lawsuit, Hayden’s estate is requesting $100 million, excluding costs, interest and attorney fees.
The lawsuit said the estate suffered the following damages as a result of the deadly crash:
- Conscious physical pain and suffering endured during the moments before the crash and Hayden’s death
- Medical and hospital expenses
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Excess wage loss
- Loss of financial support from Hayden
- Loss of services
- Loss of parental guidance and training
- Loss of gifts and gratuities
- Loss of inheritance
- Loss of society and companionship of Hayden
- All damage the jury would deem fair and equitable under the circumstances
- Any and all other damages allowed under the Michigan Wrongful Death Act
- Any and all other damages which may become known throughout the passage of time and the course of discovery
The lawsuit broke down into three counts in which the city and the officers are being sued:
Count 1: Negligence, gross negligence, willful and wanton misconduct of defendant Warren Police Officer #1 and Warren Police Officer #2
The lawsuit states the officers’ negligence, gross negligence, and willful and wanton misconduct caused Hayden’s death.
It also said the officers violated multiple laws as they were driving down Schoenherr moments before the crash.
Count 2: Violation of MCL 69.1405 - Negligent operation of government-owned vehicle - all defendants
The lawsuit said since the city owns the vehicle that the officers drove, Warren is responsible for the events that happened on Sept. 30. It mentioned the officers, who work for the city, are accused of being negligent while driving an authorized emergency vehicle.
Count 3: Ownership liability and vicarious liability defendant City of Warren
Similar to the second count, the lawsuit said the city was responsible for the crash since the officers and vehicle owned by the city were the causing factor in Hayden’s death.
Warren police respond to lawsuit
In response to the $100 million lawsuit filed on Oct. 4, the Warren Police Department released the following statement:
“The Warren Police Department received notice of this litigation today, a few short hours prior to the press conference publicizing the litigation. While we know this is a hard time for the families of the deceased, and we all would like answers to many important questions, the only proper source for answers is the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office who is conducting an independent investigation into this unfortunate incident. The Warren Police Department has been fully cooperative with the Sheriff’s Office during their investigation into this incident. Careful investigation of all of the facts is necessary to ensure unbiased and accurate conclusions are drawn. As with any investigation involving serious injuries or death, both officers have been placed on administrate leave pending a complete investigatory report. The entire City of Warren sends our condolences again to the families of all involved and the community impacted by this tragic auto accident. We are also praying for the full recovery of the two officers involved, one of who continues to remain hospitalized for his injuries.”
Warren Police Department
