An Eastpointe police officer was injured early Friday after a man accused of stealing plants and landscaping equipment from English Gardens allegedly drove away from a traffic stop, with the trailer attached to his truck running over the officer’s legs.
The incident began around 1:40 a.m. Sept. 25 at the English Gardens location on Kelly Road near Nine Mile Road. Police had been called about a suspicious man at the closed garden center and a landscaping truck with a trailer parked across the street.
When officers arrived, they saw the truck leaving the area and stopped it. Police said the trailer did not have a license plate and contained plants and landscaping equipment believed to have been taken from the business.
Officers told the driver he was under arrest, but investigators say he started the truck and accelerated while an officer was standing near the driver’s door. The officer was struck, and the trailer passed over his legs.
The injured officer was taken for medical treatment. Police said he was expected to be OK, although he was still receiving care following the incident.
The suspect, identified as 37-year-old Detroit resident Jeremy Jamel Johnson, then led officers on a pursuit through the area. Warren and other neighboring police agencies assisted during the chase.
The pursuit eventually reached the area of Eight Mile Road and Mound Road. During the chase, a tire on the trailer blew out, and the trailer began coming apart. A lawnmower and other landscaping equipment fell onto the roadway, while at least one police vehicle was damaged.
Johnson eventually abandoned the truck and ran from officers on foot, according to police. Investigators said he threw lawn chairs and other items at officers before he was eventually taken into custody with a Taser.
Johnson was treated at a local hospital for minor injuries before being booked into the Macomb County Jail.
The case moved forward Friday afternoon when Johnson was arraigned in 38th District Court. He faces charges including second-degree fleeing and eluding, breaking and entering without breaking with intent, resisting or obstructing a police officer, and assault with a dangerous weapon.
A judge set Johnson’s bond at $1 million. He is also subject to a GPS tether.
During the hearing, Johnson told the court that the allegations were serious but said he had not intended to hurt anyone. He also spoke about his landscaping business and community activities.
Court proceedings also brought additional information about Johnson’s criminal history. Prosecutors and the court cited previous convictions, including larceny and offenses involving police. Johnson had reportedly completed probation from a prior case earlier this month.
Because Johnson is being treated as a habitual offender, the current charges could carry significantly more serious consequences if he is convicted.
Johnson is scheduled to return to court Oct. 7. The allegations against him remain subject to the court process.
