$1 million bond set for suspect in officer-involved shooting

WARREN — Willie Lee Allen, 29, of Detroit, has been charged by Macomb County prosecutors with eight felony counts and one misdemeanor following an officer-involved shooting on Eight Mile Road between Ryan and Dequindre roads on Jan. 2.

Allen’s bond was set at $1 million cash or surety only by Chief Judge John Chmura of the 37th District Court. He was arraigned Jan. 4 on charges including fleeing police-third degree, a five-year felony; assaulting and resisting an officer, a two-year felony; assault with a dangerous weapon, a four-year felony; and various weapons offenses punishable by up to five years in prison. He was also cited for driving on a suspended, revoked or denied license.

According to Warren police, Allen was driving a white 2020 Chevy Malibu when he was pursued by police in a marked patrol car on Jan. 2 in the Eight Mile Road and Fenelon Street area. He allegedly did not stop. Blocks later, he reportedly crashed into another vehicle on the road. Allen and a woman allegedly exited the car and ran. Police reportedly followed them on foot.   

According to police, Allen brandished a gun and pointed it in the direction of police.  An officer saw this as a threat and shot at Allen. There were no injuries. The woman was later found in Detroit and arrested.

Allen is a convicted felon and awaiting trial in Wayne County for fleeing and eluding police and carjacking, police said.

Warren Police Commissioner Bill Dwyer said he sees shootings, carjackings and suspects fleeing police happening much too frequently.  He said with the support of the courts, dangerous people can be taken off the street. 

“I am thankful that the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office recognized the seriousness of this incident when issuing charges against Allen. I am also happy that Judge Chmura issued an appropriate bond given Allen’s violent and dangerous criminal history,” said Dwyer.

Allen’s next court date is scheduled for Jan. 12. At press time on Jan. 6, no defense attorney was listed in court records.