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Charges Dismissed Against Driver in Fatal Police Incident

A memorial set up for the fallen officer at the intersection where the accident occurred.

News Summary

Charges against Dayjon Macon for the fatal crash that killed Detroit police officer Cameron Richardson have been dismissed due to a key witness recanting their testimony. Macon faced multiple serious charges, including failing to stop after an accident causing death. However, the passenger in his vehicle changed their statement, making it challenging to link Macon definitively to the crash. While the case is dismissed for now, prosecutors may revisit it if new evidence arises. The tragic incident occurred when Officer Richardson, a dedicated officer and Army veteran, was struck while returning home.

Detroit — Charges against 28-year-old Dayjon Macon for allegedly causing a fatal crash that resulted in the death of Detroit police officer Cameron Richardson have been dismissed, following a significant change in the testimony of a key witness. The dismissal occurred last week after the witness, a passenger in Macon’s vehicle, recanted his earlier statement identifying Macon as the driver involved in the crash.

Macon was facing multiple charges, including failing to stop at the scene of an accident causing death (punishable by up to 15 years in prison), failing to stop at the scene of an accident causing serious impairment or death (a 5-year felony), moving violation causing death (which carries a 1-year misdemeanor), and driving with a suspended license (a 93-day misdemeanor). The charges were dismissed after it was determined that there was insufficient evidence to conclusively establish Macon’s role as the driver of the vehicle involved in the incident.

During Macon’s preliminary examination, the passenger who had initially identified him lost his recollection of the events surrounding the crash. This statement contradicted his previous assertions made to law enforcement, leading to a reevaluation of the evidence against Macon. Assistant Prosecutor Maria Miller indicated that due to the wavering testimony, there was no definitive evidence linking Macon to the driving of the vehicle at the time of the crash.

Macon’s attorney, Brent Jaffe, expressed that there was a lack of evidence incriminating his client and extended condolences to the family of Officer Richardson during the proceedings. After the crash, Macon reportedly fled the scene but was later located and apprehended by police authorities.

The fatal accident transpired on January 5, when Officer Richardson was off-duty and returning home. He had been struck by a white van making an illegal left turn at the intersection of Hoover and Greiner. Richardson, aged 32, was remembered as a dedicated officer who served for just over a year and was an Army veteran, having spent a decade in military service. He is survived by two daughters, aged 12 and 14.

In remembrance of Officer Richardson, Chief Todd Bettison spoke of his consistent dedication to his duty, highlighting his conscientious nature. The loss of Richardson has been felt deeply within the community and by his colleagues.

Prior to the crash, Macon had a checkered history with driving charges, including instances of driving with a suspended license and failing to carry a license. Following the incident, a weapon was discovered in the van associated with the crash, and several individuals connected to the vehicle were taken into custody shortly thereafter.

Despite the dismissal of the charges against Macon, it is important to note that prosecutors may choose to reissue the case in the future should further evidence come to light. The circumstances surrounding the crash continue to resonate with the community as they grapple with the implications of this tragic event.