Police release dash cam video of Warren chase and crash, as driver is charged with murder in woman's death

WARREN (WWJ) -- Second degree murder and other charges have been filed against a Pontiac man accused of leading Warren police on a chase that ended with a deadly crash.

Authorities say 26-year-old James Hudson, Jr. was driving a car that crashed into a Jeep on 10 Mile Rd. near Dequindre Rd., early Saturday morning.

A passenger in the Jeep Cherokee, 42-year-old Katrina Michael of Warren, was killed in the crash. The driver of the Jeep was seriously injured.

Police said the chase started when officers spotted three Dodge Chargers speeding and possibly drag racing on 8 Mile Rd. near Mound, at around 2 a.m. on June 29.

Police are defending their decision to chase after the suspects, saying traffic was light at the time, and that it was urgent to stop these drivers, who were putting innocent lives in danger.

The Warren PD released dash cam video of the chase on Tuesday.

Warren PD releases dash cam video of deadly police chase crash

"The way these people were driving, their vehicle was a weapon," said Warren Police Commissioner Charles Rushton, speaking at a news conference. "And I understand when people look at these videos it is a tragic event, but these people are driving in such a manner that it makes their vehicle a weapon. It is basically a 5,000-pound bullet driving down 8 Mile."

Rushton said dangerous drag racing is serious issue across Metro Detroit.

"It is a problem throughout the area, and it is something that the police have to...deal with," he told WWJ's Luke Sloan and other reporters. "As I can say now, because of such problems throughout the city of Warren, every Warren police car is now equipped with radar or a speed detection device."

Rushton said, in this case, police don't have the exact speeds that the suspects were driving, but estimates it was well over 100 mph.

Hudson and two passengers from the Dodge Charger were also seriously injured in the crash. The third Charger fled the area, police said, and the search for those suspects is ongoing.

The Macomb County Prosecutor's Office has charged Hudson with one count of second degree murder, a life felony, along with four counts of fleeing police, and three counts of reckless driving causing serious impairment of body function.

He was arranged in Warren 37th District Court and ordered held on a $1 million bond, cash/surety only, with a tether if he's released.

“This incident shows the severe consequences of reckless behavior and fleeing from law enforcement," said Prosecutor Pete Lucido, in a statement. "A precious life has been lost and three others injured due to the senseless action of this individual. We will pursue justice for the victims and their families, ensuring that the perpetrator is held accountable for these crimes."

Hudson remains jailed at this time, as he awaits his next court appearance, scheduled for July 16.

Meanwhile, an online fundraiser has been set up to help the family of the victim, who was single mother of two sons, ages 14 and 18.

Adna Salimovic said on the GoFundMe page that Katrina was being driven home by a friend at the time of the tragic crash.

"We as her friends are setting up this fundraiser for her children and family to be able to cover the costs of a memorial service and other related expenses," Salimovic wrote. "We know these are hard financial times for everyone. Please, if you can help in even the smallest way, a donation would be forever appreciated."

As of Tuesday afternoon, $25,400 had already been raised toward a $30,000 goal. Those who wish to donate can do so at this link .