Man charged after Fraser police cruiser collision and pond crash

Prosecutors say Fraser officers were trying to stop an automobile at a commercial property along Kelly Road, close to Groesbeck Road, after it was linked to a suspected collision and an attempt to escape. The driver, Gaspare Cracchiolo, 61, of Clinton Township, allegedly drove into the driver’s side of the patrol vehicle while officers were inside.

Both officers reported injuries. One described pain in an arm and knee; the other reported pain in a back and leg. They exited the cruiser through its door on the passenger side and instructed the driver to halt, but he allegedly reversed away and fled.

Other Fraser officers pursued the vehicle. Following a pursuit spanning several miles, Cracchiolo allegedly lost control, and the vehicle overturned into a water basin by Groesbeck Road and 11 Mile Road. He was taken into custody after receiving medical clearance.

Cracchiolo faces eight felony counts, including two counts alleging an intent to inflict serious physical injury short of murder, evading police in a vehicle, two counts of felonious assault, and two counts of assaulting or obstructing police officers causing injury. He is also charged with malicious destruction of police property and several misdemeanors, including impaired driving and driving with a suspended, revoked or denied license. Prosecutors filed a fourth-offense habitual-offender notice.

He was arraigned at the 39th District Court in Roseville and is being held at Macomb County Jail on a $1 million bond payable in cash or through a surety, without a 10% release alternative. If released on bond, he must wear a GPS tether and abstain from drugs and alcohol. His next court appearance is scheduled for November 13.