By J. PATRICK PEPPER
Times-Herald Newspapers
INKSTER — A Dearborn Heights man was charged last week with multiple felonies for allegedly running over a Wayne County corporal twice in the officer’s own cruiser.
Jeffrey Lamar Jones, 32, faces two counts each of assault with intent to murder; felonious assault; and fleeing and eluding; and one count each of felonious driving; carjacking; resisting and obstructing a police officer causing serious impairment; failure to stop at a personal injury accident; driving with a suspended license; and possession of marijuana.
The most serious charge, assault with intent to murder, is punishable by up to life in prison.
“This is one of the most egregious attempts on the life of a law enforcement official that I have seen in over 20 years,” Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy said in a statement. “We are confident that the evidence will show that we can prove our case against Mr. Jones beyond a reasonable doubt.”
Wayne County Sheriff’s Department officials said Jones was driving with a suspended license and had outstanding warrants for minor offenses when he was pulled over by a sheriff’s deputy March 14. Cpl. Christopher Carlson, a 15-year Wayne County veteran, made the stop in the 3200 block of Moore in a residential neighborhood southwest of Inkster Road and Michigan Avenue.
Officials said Jones began to flee on foot after initially pulling over, but doubled back and was able to get into Carlson’s Dodge Charger patrol car. Jones allegedly ran over Carlson in drive and then reversed over him, according to officials. He was preparing for a third pass when fellow Deputy Rachal Davis dragged Carlson to safety, officials said.
Jones was arrested about a block and a half away from the original stop after crashing into a fence. Officers found a small container of marijuana in his sock; he also tested positive for marijuana while in custody, officials said.
Jones has previous felony convictions on his record, including assault with intent to commit murder, according to officials. Jones also has had his license suspended 17 times in the past. Carlson was taken to Oakwood Hospital & Medical Center in Dearborn, where he was still in intensive care as of Thursday. Despite the severity of his injuries Carlson, who is married with two children, is expected to pull through.
“He had severe leg fractures, fractured ribs and some other minor injuries, but we do expect him to make a full recovery,” said Wayne County Sheriff spokeswoman Paula Bridges.