Driver who killed woman in crash after leading Warren police in high-speed chase charged with murder
WARREN, Mich. (FOX 2) - Following a fatal crash in Warren that stemmed from a police pursuit last Saturday, the Macomb County prosecutor has charged a 26-year-old Pontiac man with second-degree murder.
James Hudson was driving a Dodge Charger and reached speeds of 100 mph before crashing into a Jeep, killing a 42-year-old single mother, Warren police said Tuesday.
The incident, which lasted three minutes, and the subsequent death spurred questions about whether police made the right decision to continue the pursuit. Warren Police Commissioner Charles Rushton said the decision is a made on a case-by-case basis.
He added that even if police discontinue a pursuit, it doesn't mean the fleeing driver will slow down.
"Part of the problem is even if we terminate the pursuit doesn't necessarily mean that driver is going to slow back down to the speed limit and start driving in a normal manner again," he said during a Tuesday press conference.
Police, who were flanked by the Macomb County Prosecutor, showed footage from inside one of the Warren squad cars that were part of the pursuit. It included the officer's arrival at the crash, where a Jeep that was turning left was struck by the suspect.
The victim was identified as Katrina Shuker, a mom of two kids. She was being driven home by a friend when the crash happened.
The pursuit started around Eight Mile and Ryan when they spotted three Dodge Chargers traveling at a high rate of speed going westbound. When they attempted to pull them over, two of the fled on 10 Mile heading west, near Dequindre.
The crash happened soon after.
"I want to emphasize the way these people were driving, their vehicle was a weapon," said Rushton.
Hudson was given a million cash surety bond during his court appearance on Tuesday. In addition to murder, he was charged with fleeing and eluding in the first degree, three counts of fleeing and eluding in the second degree, and three counts of reckless driving causing serious injury.
"These individuals will never be the same," prosecutor Pete Lucido said.
Police have yet to find the second Dodge Charger that also fled.
