A Brandon Township man is being held without bond in connection with the death of a police officer last week in Independence Township.
Ramon Felix Pineda, 25, was arraigned Tuesday afternoon in 52-2 District Court before Judge Kelley Kostin on multiple charges including second degree murder, leaving the scene of an accident causing death, and driving while license suspended. He is currently held without bond. Pineda is also an illegal alien, having entered into the United States approximately 12 years ago from Mexico. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has been advised.
The charges stem from a fatal crash that occurred on Sashabaw Road south of Clarkston Road at about 8:07 p.m., Sunday evening.
According to Oakland County Sheriff’s reports Vincent Owen D’Anna, a 26-year-old off-duty Flint police officer and Goodrich resident, was operating a 2007 Suzuki motorcycle southbound on Sashabaw Road south of Clarkston Road. Witnesses indicated that an adult male was driving a 1992 Camaro and ran into D’Anna’s motorcycle from behind. D’Anna was pinned under the Camaro and dragged about 70 feet. The suspect exited the vehicle, and tried to run away on foot when one of the witnesses tackled him and detained him on scene until responding deputies arrived.
‘He’s here illegally, he took the life of a young man, there are lots of witnesses,? said Kelly Chard, assistant prosecuting attorney.
‘He fled to avoid prosecution.?
When considering bail, the court considers likelihood of the suspect returning to stand trial, as well as protection of society, said Kostin.
‘I’m very concerned with risk of flight,? she said.
‘I don’t find any comfort at all the bond would give Mr. Pineda the conviction to appear in court.?
Defense Attorney Art Greenstone of Clarkston argued for a reasonable bond.
‘No one here doubts the severity and catastrophe of what happened,? Greenstone said.
‘Everyone hates this man ? I understand that,? he said. ‘I ask the court to withstand the understandable public pressure to scalp my client.?
Pineda tried to flee the scene because he doesn’t want to be deported, his attorney said.
‘His alien status – that’s why he ran away,? Greenstone said. ‘It wasn’t that he didn’t care. He wants to stay as long as he can – his 1-year-old child and wife need him at home.?
Pineda, a citizen of Mexico, has lived in the area for the past 12 years, worked steadily for five years in downtown Clarkston as a cook at Olde Village Cafe, has a family, and no history of substance abuse or violence, Greenstone said.
‘He will appear,? he added.
Several bystanders lifted the Camaro off D’Anna who was transported to Genesys Medical Center in Grand Blanc where he died early Monday morning. D’Anna was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. Alcohol appears to be a factor in the crash. Clarkston News Editor Phil Custodio contributed to this story.