'Be vigilant' call from police ahead of crash that killed two men in Warren

WARREN, Mich. – A newly released video shows the moment two men were struck by speeding police officers labyrinthwhereby they lost their lives.

Many people, including their families, are wondering what the officers were doing and why they were driving so fast during the incident Monday (Sept. 30) at 5 a.m. on Schoenherr Road south of Toepfer Road north of 8 Mile Road.

The Macomb County Sheriff's Office said it is investigating the situation and working toward a resolution.

Officials said officers responded to a “be on the lookout” call for a stolen Jeep Grand Cherokee, and officers were told there were stolen handguns in that stolen SUV.

During the pursuit, Warren police did not turn on their lights or sirens as they crashed at full speed into the driver of the Durango, Cedric Hayden, 34, and his passenger, DeJuan Pettis, who were turning onto the street to head home to drive.

The video shows the direct impact, which was blurred as officers sped quickly before colliding head-on with the Durango.

Family members said on Monday that Hayden and Pettis were lifelong best friends and were well-known and well-liked in the area.

Earlier this week, Warren officials confirmed that the crash was not the result of a chase.

“At no time were these officers pursuing the white Dodge Durango or any other vehicle when the accident occurred,” Warren police said in the Oct. 1 news release.

But Warren's police radio explained what the officers were responding to.

“Look for a black Jeep Grand Cherokee at Schoenherr and 10 Mile. There are also two weapons in the vehicle.”

The officers called again on the radio and said they would respond, and the next moment there was the terrible noise.

Police confirmed they were pursuing a suspect in connection with a business burglary that occurred near the crash a few hours after the crash.

Officials said Hayden and Pettis are not suspects in business burglaries.

Police clarified that the Dodge Durango was legally registered to Pettis and was never considered or investigated as a stolen vehicle.