Sterling Heights, Michigan – A 45-year-old Sterling Heights resident is moving closer to trial after prosecutors say he intentionally used his vehicle to strike school officials during a disturbing incident at a local middle school. Authorities confirmed that the case has now been advanced to Macomb County Circuit Court, signaling the seriousness of the allegations.
Suspect Waives Preliminary Exam, Case Bound Over to Circuit Court
According to Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido, Lemuel Young, 45, of Sterling Heights, formally waived his preliminary examination, allowing the case to proceed directly to Macomb County Circuit Court. Young is charged with felonious assault, a serious felony under Michigan law.
A probable cause conference was conducted on December 11, 2025, at 41A District Court, where the court reviewed the status of the case and addressed bond-related matters.
Prosecutors stated that waiving the preliminary exam does not indicate innocence or guilt but allows the court process to move forward more quickly. With the waiver accepted, the judge ordered the case bound over for further proceedings at the circuit court level.
Bond Reduction Request Denied by Court
During the December 11 hearing, defense counsel requested a reduction of Young’s existing $10,000 cash or surety bond, arguing for more lenient release conditions. However, an assistant prosecuting attorney strongly objected, citing the severity of the alleged conduct and potential risk to public safety.
After reviewing arguments from both sides, the court denied the bond reduction request, agreeing with prosecutors that the current bond conditions were appropriate. The matter was subsequently referred to Community Corrections for further review and a formal recommendation.
Court officials emphasized that bond decisions are made to balance a defendant’s rights with community safety, particularly in cases involving alleged violence.
Incident Reported at Bemis Jr. High School
The charges stem from an incident that reportedly occurred on December 4, 2025, at Bemis Jr. High School in Sterling Heights. Authorities allege that Young became involved in a confrontation while vehicles were improperly parked in a school bus lane during student-related activity.
According to the prosecution, a school safety officer approached Young and asked him to move his vehicle to clear the lane. Instead of complying, Young allegedly refused and then drove forward, striking the officer in the legs with his vehicle.
Principal Allegedly Struck Multiple Times
The situation escalated when the school principal arrived to assist the safety officer. Prosecutors say the principal also requested that Young move his vehicle. At that point, Young allegedly struck the principal three times with the vehicle, further intensifying the encounter.
Despite the alarming nature of the incident, authorities confirmed that neither the school safety officer nor the principal suffered serious injuries. Still, officials stressed that the alleged actions posed a significant risk and could have resulted in far more severe consequences.
Upcoming Arraignment Scheduled
Young’s formal arraignment in Macomb County Circuit Court is scheduled for December 29, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. At that hearing, the court is expected to review the charges, bond conditions, and outline the next steps in the legal process.
Prosecutors have not indicated whether additional charges could be filed but noted that felonious assault carries the potential for substantial penalties if a conviction is secured.
Law enforcement and prosecutors emphasized that aggressive behavior toward school personnel will be treated seriously, particularly when a vehicle is involved.
What are your thoughts on this case and school safety enforcement? Do you believe the bond decision was appropriate? Share your opinion in the comments, and let us know how schools can better protect staff and students during busy drop-off and pick-up times.
