By Susan Smiley
The Macomb Daily, Mount Clemens, Mich.
CLINTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. — A 46-year-old Clinton Township man has been charged with assault and malicious destruction of a building after he allegedly crashed through the window of a Warren convenience store and threatened customers and employees while brandishing knives.
Brian Steele was arraigned in 37th District Court on Dec. 30 and charged with two counts of felony assault and one count of malicious destruction of a building $1,000 or more, a potential five-year felony. Steele entered a not guilty plea and a visiting judge set bond at $250,000 cash/surety. A GPS tether is required if bond is posted.
Steele was charged as a habitual offender due to several previous felony convictions for breaking and entering, home invasion, retail fraud, larceny, and other crimes. Steele was on parole during this incident.
According to a press release from the Warren Police Department, officers were dispatched to the 7-Eleven store at 12 Mile and Schoenherr roads just before midnight Dec. 27 in response to reports of a man brandishing knives. Callers indicated the suspect had crashed his vehicle into the building shattering the facade.
Witnesses told police that Steele began to terrorize customers and employees by waving the knives around and making threats to kill. Terrified employees locked themselves in the back room until police arrival due to the suspect’s violent actions.
Upon arrival, officers observed the suspect standing in front of the convenience store armed with two knives. The suspect allegedly refused multiple verbal commands to drop the knives as he faced-off with officers.
Officers reported that the Steele was covered in blood and bleeding from self-inflicted wounds which occurred prior to police contact.
Steele’s girlfriend was also standing next to him momentarily as the intense situation unfolded.
Officers worked to de-escalate the situation and calmly ordered the suspect to drop the knives; Steele allegedly responded by saying “kill me.”
After police officers assured Steele that no one was trying to kill him, his girlfriend was able to get away from him and officer successfully deployed a Taser which caused Steele to fall to the ground and drop the two knives.
No customers or employees were injured during the incident.
Two serrated kitchen knives were recovered from the scene.
Steele was transported to the Warren Jail after being treated and released at a local hospital for non-life threatening injuries.
A probable cause hearing is scheduled for 8:45 a.m. Jan. 7 in front of Judge Suzanne Faunce.
___
(c)2025 The Macomb Daily, Mount Clemens, Mich.
Visit The Macomb Daily, Mount Clemens, Mich. at https://www.macombdaily.com/
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.