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Macomb Co. authorities investigate alleged violence, hate speech against Harris-Walz volunteers

Macomb Co. authorities investigate alleged violence, hate speech against Harris-Walz volunteers

Sakege06 mins

St. Clair Shores – Macomb County Prosecutor Pete Lucido said he will decide Monday whether to file charges against a man accused of making hateful comments before allegedly driving his car into a group of volunteers distributing campaign materials this month in support of the Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris.

Lucido said his office’s Hate Crimes Division is investigating the allegations, “and we should be able to say whether we will charge this guy today. We have the evidence, including the 911 call that was made, statements from the defendant and statements from witnesses “

One of the witnesses was Melissa Crook, who told The Detroit News she feared for her life on Oct. 13 when the man revved the engine of her Mercedes before speeding toward her and other volunteers outside the Bruce Post VFW on Jefferson Avenue. near Martin.

“I had a neck brace because I had neck surgery and I couldn’t move to the right; I could only take a step back,” said Crook, 41, of St. Clair Shores. “He stopped his vehicle less than two feet from where I had moved. I thought that man was going to kill me.”

Crook, who said he regularly helps organize events for the Democratic Party, said the incident occurred around 3:45 p.m. outside an “activation tent” he had helped set up hours earlier near a similar tent outside the hall. VFW that promoted the Republican presidential candidate. Donald Trump.

“Most of the people who came were happy to see us there,” Crook said. “We had some people who thought we were the Trump store, but when they found out we were Harris-Walz, they just turned around and left. But one guy got really angry.”

When the man learned that the tent had been set up by the St. Clair Shores Democratic Club and Macomb County Democrats, “he started spitting hateful things; anti-LGBTQ things,” Crooks said. “Then he said something hateful to a woman and her daughter about their weight. We said, ‘We’re obviously not what you’re looking for; can you please leave?’ He said, ‘I can’t wait for Trump to win, because people like you would be exterminated.'”

Crook said the man got into his car and revved the engine.

“He could have backed away (from the parking spot), but he aimed right at me and the store,” Crook said.

The man then drove at high speed toward the store before hitting the brakes, Crook said.

Crook said he is not aware of anyone taking video of the alleged incident.

“I had my phone in my hand and literally when I was about to record, that’s when he started driving towards me,” she said. “However, there are 10 witnesses who saw it.”

Crook said St. Clair Shores police responded to the group’s 911 call and all witnesses gave reports to the officer.

“We only gave a partial license plate and description of the vehicle,” Crook said. “(The suspect) was pulled over the next day for a traffic violation, and due to the partial license plate and description of the car, police asked him if he was the person involved (in the alleged incident), and he responded completely. I admitted it.” to the police…so that helped. I’m glad he admitted it since we don’t have video.”

Crook said VFW hall officials told him their surveillance camera is not focused on the area where the alleged incident occurred.

St. Clair Shores police did not immediately respond to a call seeking comment Monday.

Lucido said he wasn’t sure if police had removed videos from nearby businesses.

“That’s all part of what our team is investigating,” he said. “We should know more in a few hours.”

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(313) 222-2134

@GeorgeHunter_DN

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