Suspect Refuses Police Orders, Arrested After Taser Deployment Outside 7-11

On Friday, December 27, 2024, at approximately 11:58 p.m., Warren Police Officers were dispatched to the 7-11 convenience store regarding a male suspect brandishing knives. Further information provided from callers was that the suspect had crashed his vehicle into the building shattering the facade. Callers also reported that the suspect began to terrorize customers and employees by brandishing the knives and making threats to kill. Scared employees locked themselves in the back room until police arrival due to the suspect’s violent actions. Upon arrival, officers observed the suspect standing in front of the 7-11 armed with two knives. The suspect refused multiple verbal commands to drop the knives as he defiantly faced-off with officers.

Officers also noted that the suspect was covered in blood and bleeding from self-inflicted wounds which occurred prior to police contact. The suspect’s girlfriend was also standing next to him momentarily as the intense situation unfolded. With weapons drawn, officers calmly order the suspect to drop the knives with the suspect responding “kill me, kill me.” Officers worked to verbally de-escalate the situation by telling the suspect “nobody wants to kill you.” The suspect’s girlfriend was able to get away from the suspect as officers urged the suspect to drop the knives. Additional officers arrived on scene and successfully deployed a Taser which caused the suspect to fall to the ground and drop the knives. Officers then rush to the suspect and secured him. Other officers made contact with persons inside the 7-11 to ensure there were no injuries. Two serrated kitchen knives were then recovered on scene.

The suspect was transported to the Warren Jail after being treated and released at a local hospital for non-life threatening injuries. On December 30, 2024, the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office charged 46-year-old Brian Steele with one count of assault with intent to rob while armed (life felony), two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon (4-year felony), and one count of malicious destruction of a building $1,000 or more (5 year felony). Steele was arraigned at the 37th District Court in Warren by visiting Judge Metry wherein a not guilty plea was entered. Bond was set at $250,000 cash/surety only with a GPS tether required if bond is posted. Steele was charged as a habitual 4th offender due to several previous felony convictions for breaking and entering, home invasion, retail fraud, larceny, and other crimes. Steele was on parole during this incident.