Alleged drug deal leads to shooting at park

WARREN — An alleged drug deal gone bad has left two men facing multiple felonies and a shooting victim in critical condition.

Robert Johnson Jr., 18, of Eastpointe, was arraigned Sept. 3 in 37th District Court before Judge Steven Bieda. He was charged with armed robbery and conspiracy to commit armed robbery, both felonies punishable by up to life in prison; and carrying a concealed weapon, a five-year felony.

Illya Green Jr., 22, of Detroit, was arraigned Sept. 4, also in Bieda’s courtroom. He was charged with carrying a concealed weapon, a five-year felony; and delivery of a controlled substance, a four-year felony.

Both men also face felony weapons charges punishable by a mandatory two years in prison.

Warren police responded to several dispatch calls regarding a shooting at Veterans Memorial Park, located at 27400 Campbell Road, at approximately 7:40 p.m. on Aug. 31. According to Warren police, witnesses saw Johnson along with a 16-year-old juvenile male approaching a white sedan and talking to those inside the vehicle. According to the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office, Johnson and the juvenile were allegedly trying to buy drugs at Veterans Memorial Park from Green, who was in the white sedan. During the transaction, Johnson and the juvenile allegedly produced handguns and took the drugs from Green, according to prosecutors. Green allegedly fired multiple shots at Johnson and the juvenile as they were running from the vehicle, hitting the juvenile in the arm and lower extremities, according to police.

Once police located the juvenile, the Warren Fire Department transported him to a local hospital where he remains in critical condition.

The other man from the vehicle was not found by police. The white sedan was last seen traveling northbound on Campbell Road.

Bieda set bonds for Johnson and Green at $500,000 each, cash or surety only. If either posts bond, they would be required to wear a GPS tether.

Johnson’s attorney of record is Andrew John Hubbs, who was not available for comment at press time.

According to court records, Green had not been assigned a public defender at press time.

“What began as an alleged drug transaction quickly escalated into a dangerous situation involving firearms, causing great risk to the public. These actions endangered not only those involved but also the entire community. We take this matter seriously and will ensure that those responsible are held accountable for their reckless and violent behavior,” said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido.

Both suspects were in the Macomb County Jail at press time ahead of a probable cause conference at 9:30 a.m. Sept. 12 in Judge John Chmura’s courtroom.