Roseville man guilty of manslaughter after fleeing police

On October 6, a Macomb County jury convicted 43 year old Vertese Woods of manslaughter and eight other charges after a four-day jury trial by Assistant Prosecutors Jeffrey Hall and Darrian Fortier.

On December 20, 2021, police found a stolen vehicle in Mt. Clemens. When Vertese Woods entered the stolen vehicle, police attempted to arrest him. Woods crashed into a police vehicle and parking meter and fled police. Fleeing at a high rate of speed and running a stop sign, Woods crashed into the victim’s vehicle. The victim was later pronounced dead at the hospital.

Woods was charged with Second Degree Murder (life felony), Fleeing Police in the First Degree (15 year felony), Operating Vehicle with suspended license causing death (15 year felony), Receiving and Concealing a Motor Vehicle (five year felony), Failure to Stop at Scene of Accident Resulting in Death (five year felony), two counts of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (four year felony), Failure to Stop at Scene of Accident Resulting in Death (five year felony), Moving Violation Causing Death (one year misdemeanor), Malicious Destruction of Property (one year misdemeanor), and Larceny
Less than $200 (93-day misdemeanor).

A Macomb County jury found Woods guilty of Manslaughter (15 year felony), Fleeing Police in the First Degree (15 year felony), Operating Vehicle with suspended license causing death (15 year felony), Receiving and Concealing a Motor Vehicle (five year felony), Failure to Stop at Scene of Accident Resulting in Death (five year felony), two counts of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (four year felony), Moving Violation Causing Death (one year misdemeanor), Malicious Destruction of Property (one year misdemeanor), and Larceny Less than $200 (93-day misdemeanor).

“This is a reminder that recklessness behind the wheel, compounded by a blatant disregard for law enforcement, can have devastating consequences. The Macomb County jury delivered a resounding verdict that shows our resolve to protect our community and seek justice for the victims,” said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido.