Mouth Clemens, MI → A 53-year-old Clinton Township man is facing a felony charge after prosecutors say he sped away from a Warren police officer during a traffic stop and led authorities on a dangerous high-speed run through city streets late last year.
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Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido announced that Joel Masching was arraigned Monday on a charge of fourth-degree fleeing and eluding following an incident that allegedly occurred on November 26, 2025.
According to investigators, a Warren police officer in a fully marked patrol vehicle attempted to stop a green Mercedes traveling northbound on Schoenherr Road for speeding. Authorities say the driver ignored the officer’s lights and accelerated. When the officer activated the siren, the vehicle allegedly continued to pick up speed, traveling north through 14 Mile Road while the driver turned off the car’s lights. The pursuit was ultimately abandoned due to excessive speeds.
Prosecutors allege the Mercedes involved in the incident is registered to Masching. After obtaining a search warrant, investigators reportedly located the vehicle inside Masching’s garage. Phone records allegedly helped corroborate the route taken during the incident.
Masching was arraigned February 9, 2026, before Judge John Chmura in the 37th District Court in Warren on the following charges:
• Police Officer – Fleeing – Fourth Degree – Vehicle Code, a 2-year felony
• Habitual Offender, 2nd Offense Notice, an aggravating sentencing factor
Judge Chmura set bond at $50,000 cash/surety only. If released, Masching must wear a GPS tether. Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Dale VandeVrede argued for additional home confinement conditions, but the judge declined to include that restriction at this stage.
Masching is scheduled to return to court for a probable cause conference on February 17, 2026, and a preliminary examination on February 24, 2026, both at 8:45 a.m. before Judge Michael Chupa in the 37th District Court.
“Fleeing and eluding law enforcement is a serious problem. The allegations suggest an extreme risk to innocent drivers, pedestrians, and officers who are simply doing their jobs. That is why I am calling for mandatory minimum jail sentences for those convicted, to hold offenders accountable and protect public safety,” Lucido said in a statement.
Masching is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
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