Tyress Trearndos Mathews, 36, of Westland, was arraigned Tuesday in his hospital bed on charges that he murdered a Taylor police officer.
Judge Geno Salomone of the 23rd District Court formally arraigned Mathews in the defendant’s hospital room.
A plea of innocent was entered for Mathews, who will be held without bond. A preliminary exam is scheduled for Sept. 21st at 1 p.m.
Mathews has been charged with premeditated first-degree murder, a felony punishable by life in prison without parole; murder of a peace officer, a felony punishable by life in prison without parole; assault with intent to murder, a felony punishable by life or any term of years; felon in possession, a felony punishable by five years in prison; felony firearm, a mandatory two-year sentence, and as a habitual fourth offender, which is punishable by life if the primary offense has penalty of five years or more.
Mathews is charged in connection with the July 23 that resulted in the death of police Cpl. Matthew Edwards.
About 5:47 a.m. July 23, Edwards and his partner responded to a radio dispatch run of a breaking and entering in progress on the 12000 block of Pine.
Edwards and his partner, Cpl. Gregory Piche, arrived at the scene, saw a window screen off and lying on the ground and observed the defendant leaning on a minivan parked outside of the residence. The officers exited their vehicle, and Mathews approached them, carrying a bag. Mathews allegedly had an argument with his wife and said he needed to re-enter their apartment to get his keys.
While Mathews was with Edwards, it is alleged that Edwards fired a handgun, fatally striking Edwards, who fell to the ground, and the defendant continued firing the weapon. Mathews turned to run with the handgun and the bag when Piche and Mathews exchanged gunfire.
Several Taylor officers arrived at the scene. Edwards was pronounced dead at a local hospital. Mathews also was taken to the hospital and is currently being treated.
Police Chief Dale Tamsen said: “I would ask the community to continue to keep Cpl. Edwards’ family in their prayers and in the days to come, as his family tries to comprehend the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.
“I would also like to thank the community and other police agencies for the outpouring of support shown to our department at this time. The response has been incredible and our department will now try to start the healing process.”