Warren police officer charged in crash that killed two men

(CBS DETROIT) – A Warren police officer has been charged in connection with a deadly crash that killed two men on Sept. 30, according to the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office.
Officer James Burke, 28, is charged with two counts of manslaughter, one count of a moving violation causing serious and one count of willful neglect of duty. Burke, who had been with the Warren Police Department for nearly three years, was arranged on Friday and received a $100,000 personal recognizance bond.
A second police officer who was in the vehicle was not charged.
“Our thoughts remain with those whose lives were impacted by this tragic crash,” Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham said in a statement. “We hope the conclusion of this investigation begins to bring a sense of closure and healing as they continue to navigate this difficult time.”  
Burke was driving with the other officer in a police cruiser when he crashed into a vehicle, killing 34-year-old Cedric Hayden Jr. and 33-year-old DeJuan Pettis.
Hayden and Pettis’ families each filed a $100 million lawsuit. The family accused the officers of driving over 100 mph when they crashed into a Dodge Durango occupied by Pettis and Hayden Jr. at the corner of Schoenherr Road and Prospect Avenue in Warren. The lawsuits allege that the officers failed to adhere to traffic laws and were, did not activate sirens or lights, and failed to brake before the crash.
Police claim the crash was the result of a high-speed pursuit.
Warren police say Burke had been on administrative leave since the crash. An internal review will be conducted.
Police say the other officer will return to work when he fully recovers from his injuries.
Macomb County Prosecutor Pete Lucido issued a statement, saying, “While police officers often face challenging and fast-moving situations, the decision to drive at high speeds without lights or sirens undermines the safeguards meant to protect everyone on the road. Our thoughts are with the victims’ families, and we remain committed to pursuing justice in this matter.”