2nd man charged in police chase crash that killed Warren mom

A second man has been charged in a fatal crash during a Warren police chase over the weekend.

Damaree Terry, 26, of Pontiac, was arraigned Wednesday in 37^th District Court on charges including second-degree murder in connection with the Saturday crash that killed 42-year-old Katrina Michael, of Warren, Warren police announced in a news release.

Terry is believed to be the driver of another Dodge Charger involved in the incident at 1:34 a.m. on 10 Mile west of Dequindre Road.

Police have said three Dodge Chargers were spotted traveling fast and suspected of drag racing that morning, and police tried to conduct a stop. One Dodge driver did stop for police, but the two others fled and police gave chase, police said. Amid the pursuit, one vehicle eventually crashed into the Jeep carrying Michael and the other, which police believe Terry drove, continued to flee.

Police took Terry into custody Tuesday afternoon at his Auburn Hills workplace, according to the release.

Police say Terry admitted to his involvement while speaking to investigators. He directed them to his vehicle, too, and it is now being processed by police.

Already charged in the crash was James L. Hudson Jr., 26, of Pontiac, who police say drove the Dodge Charger that crashed with the Jeep carrying Michael. The crash also sent Hudson, his two passengers and the Jeep driver to the hospital.

Officials announced Hudson’s charges in a Tuesday news conference where they raised concerns about reckless driving and stood by police actions in the latest police chase involving a fatality.  

In a news release following Terry’s arraignment, Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido emphasized the drivers’ responsibilities in the incident.

“The reckless actions of this defendant, fleeing from police at high speeds along with another driver, directly led to the tragic death of an innocent person,” Lucido said in a statement. “This shows the severe consequences of such dangerous behavior.”

Hudson and Terry face the same charges. Along with the murder charge, they are charged with one count of first-degree fleeing a police officer, three counts of second-degree fleeing a police officer and three counts of reckless driving causing serious impairment of a body function.

Both face up to life in prison if convicted of second-degree murder; both had bonds set at $1 million cash or surety, and both are slated to return to court later this month.

Warren Police Commissioner Charles Rushton said it's not believed any tickets or charges will be issued for the Dodge Charger driver who stopped for police before the crash. That driver cooperated, Rushton said.