Chief: Retired Clay Township cop shot at car over lost cell phone

A special prosecutor is going to be requested to handle a case against a retired Clay Township police officer who allegedly opened fire at an occupied vehicle.

St. Clair Police Chief Tim Raker said the retired officer was arrested the evening of April 11.

Raker said the man had stopped for gas at the SpeedyQ station on Fred Moore Highway and King Road about 10:30 p.m. When he returned to his vehicle, Raker said, the man couldn't find his cell phone. Apparently believing it had been stolen, he began chasing another vehicle that was at the gas station.

Raker said the former officer caught up to the vehicle, with three men inside, near Cedar and 12th streets in the city and a verbal confrontation occurred.

"Apparently he was flashing his retired badge and telling him he was the police," Raker said.

The former cop then allegedly pulled out a .40-caliber handgun and fired at the vehicle, shooting out the left side rear tire and left side taillight, Raker said.

The three men fled the area, with the retired cop chasing them. St. Clair police officers were able to catch up to them near Clinton Avenue and Whiting Street, Raker said.

The retired cop was arrested on charges of impersonating a police officer, felonious assault and reckless discharge of a firearm.

His cell phone was found on the floorboard of his vehicle, Raker said. Seven bullet casings were found at the scene.

The driver of the other vehicle was arrested on a charge of operating under the influence.

Neither man has been arraigned.

Steve Guilliat, St. Clair County chief assistant prosecutor, said a petition is being filed for a special prosecutor to handle the case, "Because of a conflict, because we worked with him for many years."

Further details about the men have not been released.

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