Eastpointe man arrested after allegedly firing gun

EASTPOINTE — An Eastpointe man faces felony charges after police say he grew upset over a missing package and fired his gun into the ground.

Demarcko Malloy, 36, was arraigned Nov. 20 in Eastpointe’s 38th District Court. The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office has charged him with felon in possession of a firearm, felony firearm-second offense, felon in possession of ammunition, and reckless use of a firearm. His bond was set at $100,000 cash or surety.

On Nov. 28, during a probable cause conference, Malloy waived his right to a preliminary examination and his case was bound over to Macomb County Circuit Court.

Malloy’s attorney, Timothy Juengel, did not return a request for comment by press time.

The incident occurred at 4:20 p.m. Nov. 17 in the 15000 block of Nine Mile Road. Police were notified of a “shots fired” complaint. Their investigation led them to a nearby apartment complex where Malloy was a resident.

Police believe that Malloy received a notification from the United Parcel Service informing him that a package he ordered had been delivered to his home. However, upon returning home, he did not see the package there and allegedly assumed it had been stolen.

Malloy reportedly started canvassing the neighborhood while yelling, “Where is my package?” “Who’s got my package?” and “One of you took my package!” When nobody responded, he allegedly returned to his apartment and retrieved a handgun before walking back outside.

Police said that Malloy then yelled, “Who’s got my package?” one more time before reportedly firing one shot into the ground near the driveway. When nobody came forward with the missing item, Malloy allegedly walked around the building continuing to yell for his package, before firing a second shot into the ground. He then reportedly returned to his apartment and put away his weapon.

Police said they later retrieved the handgun after arriving at the scene a short time later.

Eastpointe Police Lt. Alex Holish said that while the department sympathizes with Malloy’s frustration regarding the stolen package, his reaction was clearly inappropriate. Each bullet that is fired recklessly can ricochet and hit an innocent person, he said.

“Please exercise restraint, and contact the Eastpointe Police Department to report any crimes so that they can be thoroughly investigated,” Holish said in an email. “Every time a firearm is discharged within the city limits, there is a potential for the bullet to strike a bystander. Do not jeopardize your freedom or the safety of others. Do not let your emotions get the better of you.”

Package theft continues to be a problem throughout Macomb County, he added. He advised residents to retrieve items from their porch as soon as possible, and to request in advance that items be delivered to the side door or placed out of view in the backyard, when possible. Friendly neighbors can also help by securing packages while the homeowner is away.