By: Nick Powers | C&G Newspapers | Published June 30, 2024
MOUNT CLEMENS — A Clinton Township man was arraigned on June 21 for allegedly twice pretending to be a firefighter.
Jason Edward Barnes, 47, allegedly came to the scene of a homicide and described himself as a fire captain and showed a badge on May 5. He attempted to use the credentials to enter the crime scene. Later that same month, Barnes allegedly showed up to the scene of a fire in firefighter gear and spoke with officials.
“We take the act of impersonating emergency personnel very seriously, as it undermines the trust and safety of our community,” Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido said in a press release. “These actions not only disrupt investigations but could contaminate crime scenes and pose a risk to public safety.”
For his alleged actions on May 5, Barnes was charged with impersonating a firefighter/emergency medical service personnel, a two-year felony; and unlawful use of fire emblems/logos, a 93-day misdemeanor. For the May 28 incident, he faces another charge of impersonating a firefighter/EMS personnel.
Following a search warrant executed at Barnes’ home on June 19, he was charged with two additional five-year felonies: possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, and possession of ammunition by a prohibited person. He is being charged as a habitual fourth offender.
The investigation into Barnes is ongoing and more charges may be possible, according to a press release from the prosecutor’s office.
Barnes was arraigned on all the charges on June 21 in the 41B District Court in Clinton Township. Magistrate Ryan Zemke set bond at $250,000 cash/surety only. A probable cause hearing is scheduled to be held before Judge Carrie Fuca at 1 p.m. July 2.
Barnes was not yet represented by an attorney at press time, according to court records.