Low bonds increased for Warren shooting suspects

WARREN — The bonds set for two suspects following a shooting at a Warren gas station earlier this month have been increased after Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido said he was “outraged” over the low amounts set by a visiting judge.

At approximately 10:10 a.m. July 21, Warren police responded to the Mobil gas station at 27035 Van Dyke Ave. to investigate a reported shooting. Dispatch advised that there were several men in the parking lot shooting at each other, according to a press release from the Warren Police Department.

When officers arrived, they were able to detain several suspects as they were attempting to leave the scene both on foot and in a vehicle, the press release states. There were no injuries in the shooting.

After an investigation, detectives presented their findings to the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office for review.

Jayquan Jaylin Washington, 21, of Detroit, was charged with carrying a concealed weapon and careless discharge of a firearm.

Eric Bryant Boatwright, 25, of Taylor, was charged with carrying a concealed weapon.

Carrying a concealed weapon is a felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a $2,500 fine. Careless discharge of a firearm is a misdemeanor punishable by up to two years in prison and a fine of up to $2,000.

Both suspects were arraigned July 22 by Visiting Judge Thomas Brookover. Washington was given a $2,000 bond and Boatwright was given a $1,000 bond. Both were eligible to post bail at 10% of that amount and both were required to wear a GPS tether if released.

In a press release sent July 25, Lucido said his office would be filing emergency motions to have the bonds increased.

“This entire business of setting low bonds in violent offenses needs to get in line with reality, and all magistrates and judges need to do their part in keeping violent offenders locked up,” he said. “These guys shoot up a gas station and blow out the window of a car dealership, it’s all on video, and they walk out after posting a hundred dollars or two? Does anyone really think that ordering a tether will make any difference?”

According to Warren Police Sgt. John Gajewski, both defendants had already posted the lower bond but were summoned to return to court for an emergency hearing, during which 37th District Court Judge John Chmura set higher bonds in the amount of $100,000 cash or surety.

Both defendants were transported to the Warren police jail and are currently being housed in the Macomb County Jail.

At press time, neither suspect had an attorney listed. Both were scheduled to be in court for a probable cause conference at 9:30 a.m. Aug. 4.