Jury conviction leads to prison sentence for driver who fled police, causing fatal crash

Jury conviction leads to prison sentence for driver who fled police, causing fatal crash

Mount Clemens, Mich. - Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido announced that 34-year-old Anthony Eugene-Douglas Grier, Jr., of Detroit, was sentenced today after he was convicted in July of offenses related to him fleeing from police at excessive speeds resulting in a collision that killed another driver.

In July 2026, a Macomb County jury found Grier guilty of Involuntary Manslaughter, Police Officer - Fleeing - First Degree, and Police Officer - Assaulting/Resisting/Obstructing.

On Thursday, August 27, 2026, Macomb County Circuit Court Judge Matthew P. Sabaugh sentenced Grier to 10 to 15 years for the Involuntary Manslaughter conviction, and a concurrent 10 to 15 years for Police Officer Fleeing First-Degree. Judge Sabaugh also sentenced Grier to one year for the Police Officer - Assaulting/Resisting/Obstructing charge with credit for 459 days already served.

Assistant Prosecuting Attorneys Richard Nelson and Paige Boll prosecuted the case on behalf of the People.

"Today's sentence holds the defendant accountable for the reckless and irresponsible decisions that took a woman's life," Prosecutor Lucido said. "While no sentence can undo the devastating loss her family has endured, I hope they can find some measure of comfort in knowing that justice has been served and that the defendant will spend many years in prison for his actions.

"This case also underscores the dangers created when individuals choose to flee from law enforcement. I again urge the Michigan legislature to establish mandatory minimum prison sentences for those who flee from police. There must be meaningful consequences for conduct that recklessly puts innocent lives at risk," said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido.

The charges stem from events on May 24, 2025, when Grier was driving a Chrysler 300 at approximately 70 miles per hour in a posted 40-mile-per-hour zone on Van Dyke Avenue in Warren. Warren Police attempted a traffic stop by activating emergency lights and sirens. The Chrysler 300 failed to stop, disobeyed multiple traffic control signals, and reached speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour in areas with posted speed limits of 35 to 40 miles per hour.

The pursuit ended at the intersection of South Van Dyke and 9 Mile Road, where Grier's vehicle entered the intersection and crashed into a vehicle traveling eastbound. The Chrysler 300 then collided with a second vehicle. The sole occupant of the first vehicle, 71-year-old Wendy Drew, was transported to a hospital, where she later died from her injuries. The sole occupant of the second vehicle was not injured.

The Macomb County Prosecutor's office represents the people. We are committed to achieving justice and following the laws of the State of Michigan. All that are accused of a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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