Detroit police angry after court releases men accused of pointing gun at officers before chase

DETROIT (FOX 2) - Detroit police are angry after the court released two men accused of leading officers on a chase after allegedly pointing a gun at them.

According to police, officers spotted Terrence Jordan standing in the street holding a pistol March 12 on the city’s west side. Jordan was with a man named Joshua McCormick.

"This individual Mr. Jordan exited the car. He pointed that gun in our direction. We were far enough back a safe distance. He jumped back in the car, drove about 3-5 feet, got back out, and did the same thing," said Cpl. Jason Tonti with Detroit police.

Police said the men got into a Dodge Charger and sped away from officers, leading them on a chase. Police ended the chase after the driver of the Charger shut the lights off and began driving at a high speed.

The pair later led Michigan State Police troopers on a chase before crashing at the corner of the I-96 Service Drive and Kentfield.

"They destroyed a scout car. Luckily the officers were OK. And these guys’ demeanor, it’s like they didn’t care," Tonti said. "It was a joking matter to them. They knew nothing was going to happen to them."

MORE: Residents left with damaged cars, fence after police crash leaves cleanup and questions

36th District Court magistrate Millicent Sherman released Jordan and McCormick on a $2,000 personal bond. This type of bond requires no money to be paid upfront. Instead, it needs to be paid if the men fail to appear for court or violate the conditions of their bond.

The pair sped away from officers in a Dodge Charger, police said.

"These guys are dangerous, and I’ll tell you what, these guys are not going to show up to court," Tonti said.

Police Chief James Craig said offenders know they will be getting out of jail quickly.

"They tell our officers all the time, ‘Hey, I’ll be out before you’re off shift.’ They say that and it’s shameful. This endangers not only the men and women who serve, it endangers the people in our community," Craig said.

Jordan’s attorney, David Cripps, pushed back against Craig’s comments.

"I’m very saddened by the fact that the police department, particularly the police chief would comment on a case that hasn’t even been to court yet for a full due process hearing called a preliminary examination," Cripps said. "I guess the police chief thinks that anybody just charged with a crime should all be locked up."

Cripps said a different story about what happened the night of the chase could surface in court.

The men crashed after leading Detroit police and MSP troopers on a chase.

"I’m telling you, a lot of times when the allegations are made when it comes to the light of day in an open courtroom we get a totally different story coming out," he said.

36th District Court Chief Judge William McConico released a statement on Sherman’s behalf that reads in part: "The magistrate objectively weighed the factors the court must consider when determining bond, such as prior criminal record, risk of flight, history of dangerousness, ties to the community, etc. The defense convincingly presented information confirming the defendants’ ties to the community, multiple stable jobs, and a lack of prior criminal contacts. There was no information given that indicated that either defendant presented a flight or safety risk."

McConico said that any party involved can request an emergency bond hearing to reevaluate the bond decision and possibly get it changed.

Detroit police said they tried to get an officer into the hearing to weigh in on the bond decision but were told only the prosecutor could be present to argue the bond.

"The Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office has never had the resources to staff the district court arraignment courtrooms. This is precisely why relevant information is always contained in the court file for the magistrate to read and assess before making a bond decision," said Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy.

According to the prosecutor’s office, McCormick was on bond for another felony case and awaiting a preliminary exam.

"The defendant was arraigned on that case in September 18, 2020. Defendant McCormick was charged with receiving and concealing stolen property and carrying a concealed weapon, and a $1,000 [bond] was set by the same person, Magistrate Sherman. It is the responsibility of the magistrate to look at all of the circumstances and set the bond, including an outstanding charge," Worthy said. "There is no reason that a $2,000 personal bond should have been set by the court."