Ann Arbor man accused of shooting woman in Orion Township carjacking denied bond
An Ann Arbor man is facing multiple charges in the shooting and carjacking of a woman in a shopping center in Oakland County earlier this week.
The woman whose vehicle was stolen was shot in front of her young child, Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald said. The victim is expected to recover from her injuries.
"The victims, a mother and her young child, should never have been placed in this dangerous situation because I believe this defendant should be behind bars for previous crimes," McDonald said.
Mauriel Dashawn Hearn, 25, of Ann Arbor, has been charged with carjacking, assault with intent to murder, fleeing a police officer, resisting a police officer, carrying a concealed weapon and three counts of felony firearm.
Hearn was arraigned at the 52-3 District Court on Friday and pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Judge Laura Polizzi ruled he will remain in custody as the case moves forward. The judge cited concerns about public safety and Hearn's criminal history.
"The court is concerned with public safety and potential flight risk… the court is not convinced there are conditions that would be suitable. Bond will be denied," Polizzi said.
Hearn's attorney, Lindsay Abramson, Deputy Chief Public Defender in Oakland County, argued he could be released under supervision. She said he could be monitored with a tether while living with his grandmother.
"I do believe if he is out, he could be supervised with a tether," Abramson said.
Abramson also raised concerns about Hearn's ability to understand the court proceedings.
"I do not believe my client is competent in any way," she said.
That issue is expected to be addressed at a future court hearing.
Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard said the victim appears to have been chosen at random.
The carjacking happened about 5:43 p.m. Tuesday near an Old Navy store at Baldwin Commons Plaza in Orion Township. The suspect was taken into custody shortly afterward.
"This is all preliminary, but it appears that an individual sat at this table and was watching for a victim," the sheriff said earlier about the case. "He ran from this table around one of the cars and confronted her, ended up shooting her and taking her car keys."
Officers used the Flock license plate reader camera system and information from the OnStar vehicle communication network to track down the vehicle, the prosecutor's office said. The vehicle was spotted near Bird and Bald Eagle Lake roads in Groveland Township, and the prosecutor's office said the resulting pursuit reached speeds of up to 100 mph.
The vehicle crashed into a guardrail at the intersection of Wildwood and Grange Hall roads.
The suspect got out of the car, ran into a wooded area, and was then taken into custody.
Hearn is expected back in court on June 2, where his defense team will address their concerns about his competency.