The city of Warren is being thrust into the spotlight as the families of two young men brutally lost their lives in a catastrophic car crash involving local police officers. Attorneys representing Cedric Hayden Jr. and DeJuan Pettis have launched a staggering $100 million lawsuit against the city of Warren and the two officers, alleging that the officers were racing down Schoenherr Road at a mind-blowing speed of over 100 miles per hour without activating their sirens or lights. The devastating collision occurred at the crack of dawn around 5 a.m. on September 30, when a Warren police patrol car violently slammed into the Dodge Durango driven by Hayden and Pettis as they prepared to make a left turn onto Prospect Street near Eight Mile.
During a tearful press conference at Fieger Law in Southfield, surrounded by poignant photos of the slain victims, Cedric Hayden Sr. delivered a heartrending plea: “I won’t believe it, and I never will believe it, because every time I go somewhere, I’m seeing my son. I need my son. I want my son.” His anguish underscores the sheer tragedy and the families’ relentless pursuit of accountability. The lawsuit vehemently claims that the officers’ blatant negligence and excessive speed were the direct causes of the fatal crash, igniting a firestorm of outrage within the community.
Authorities have confirmed that one victim was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other succumbed to injuries at the hospital. Meanwhile, the officers involved suffered severe injuries themselves—one had to be extricated by brave Warren firefighters and underwent surgery, and the other remains in critical condition. Both officers, each with over five years of service, now face the wrath of a community demanding transparency and justice.
The Macomb County Sheriff’s Office is rigorously investigating the incident to ensure an unbiased and thorough examination, as Warren police officials strive to maintain public trust amidst mounting tensions. The lawsuit not only names the officers but also holds the city of Warren accountable, painting a grim picture of law enforcement’s role in this tragic loss of life. As the legal battle unfolds, the families of Hayden and Pettis stand resolute, determined to hold those responsible to account and seek the justice their loved ones so desperately deserve.
