Shelby Twp. couple accused of attacking police waive right to a hearing

A Shelby Township couple accused, along with their teenage sons, of attacking police officers a year ago waived their right to attend a district court hearing, but the case could be remanded if the appeals court rules favorably in their sons' case.

Sam and Manal Kassab will face a preliminary hearing before Macomb County District Judge James Biernat Jr. on Oct. 10 on assault charges stemming from their alleged attack on township officials who came to their home to investigate allegations that their sons and a vehicle on the property may have been involved in a shooting.

The couple waived their right to complete the preliminary examination in their case in 41A District Court that began last April, on the understanding that the case could be sent back to the trial court for possible dismissal if the state Court of Appeals overturns a ruling in the case of their sons, Anthony, 17, and Alvin Kassab, 16. In that case, Judge Matthew Switalski ruled early this summer that officers had the right to seize the Cadillac Escalade from the driveway of their home, despite arguments by the younger Kassabs' attorneys that the vehicle had been parked so close to the house that it was legally part of the home and officers needed a search warrant.

Lawyers Paul Bukowski and Michael Kemnitz have filed an appeal against Switalski’s decision before the Higher Regional Court.

An overturning of this judgment would help the defendant's case.

The teens appeared before Switalski for a hearing last week, who set a tentative hearing date of Oct. 29, pending whether the appeals court approves the motion.

Switalski also refused a request to allow Anthony Kassab to drive.

“There were no problems with Anthony Kassab,” Bukowski said, as long as he was free on bail.

But Switalski denied the motion, apparently in agreement with Macomb Assistant District Attorney Tanya Goetz, who had pointed out that Anthony Kassab's alleged driving in the original incident played a significant role in the case.

Anthony Kassab is accused of firing an airsoft rifle from his Escalade at a Chevy Cruze filled with four people in the township. The victims said they thought they were gunshots and called 911.

When officers arrived at the home on Clear Spring Lane at 23 Mile Road near Shelby Road, Sam and Manal Kassab were cooperative until officers indicated the Escalade would be impounded. A physical altercation ensued.

Anthony Kassab is charged with two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, reckless driving and three counts of resisting or obstructing police.

Alvin Kassab is charged with assaulting, resisting or obstructing a police officer causing personal injury; assaulting, resisting or obstructing a police officer; and assault.

Sam Kassab, 56, is accused of assaulting a police officer causing grievous bodily harm, resisting, obstructing or assaulting a police officer, injuring a police officer, and resisting, obstructing or assaulting a police officer. Manal Kassab, 47, is accused of assaulting, obstructing or resisting a police officer.

Shelby Twp. couple accused of attacking police waive right to a hearing – Macomb Daily

You may also like...

Recent Posts

Shelby Twp. couple accused of attacking police waive right to a hearing – Macomb Daily

You may also like...

Angelic voice, incredible band “Take me to church” | Stepping Out

Hearing postponed for local defendant who threatened to kill woman in Hawthorn Borough

Family member describes San Diego police officer killed in Clairemont Mesa crash – NBC 7 San Diego

Recent Posts