Man accused of shooting at vehicles on U.S. 23: 'I didn't assault anybody'
Elmore Ray
Courtesy of Pittsfield Township police
The 28-year-old Ypsilanti man accused of firing a shotgun at multiple cars on U.S. 23 early Wednesday wore an expression of disbelief as he was arraigned on numerous charges — including four counts of assault with intent to murder — from the Washtenaw County Jail Thursday.
"I didn't assault anybody, I was just ..." Elmore Ray said before Magistrate Elisha Fink cut him off and told him he didn't have to say anything.
Ray also was charged with four counts of assault with intent to commit great bodily harm, possession of a short-barreled shotgun, carrying a weapon with unlawful intent and possession of a firearm in commission of a felony.
During the video arraignment, Ray told Fink he was single, had no children, no job and no source of income.
Ray balked when asked if he wanted a court-appointed attorney.
"I have a lawyer in mind," he said, adding he wasn't sure he'd get the attorney however.
Ray agreed to have an attorney appointed for the time being.
Throughout the proceedings, Ray stroked his hair and shook his head as if he didn't believe his actions warranted the charges being brought against him.
Fink set his bond at $20,000 cash or surety. A preliminary examination was scheduled for March 12.
Ray did have a relative on hand, an uncle who said he only just learned of the incident Thursday morning. He said he was there on behalf of his sister who lives out of state. The man did not want to be identified or comment any further.
Just after midnight on Wednesday, Pittsfield Township police were called to U.S. 23 near Michigan Avenue just west of Carpenter Road after receiving reports of a gunman aiming at motorists.
"They said there was a man dressed all in black, including a black trench coat, shooting at vehicles," said Pittsfield Township police Deputy Chief Gordy Schick.
Officers arrested Ray at gunpoint as he walked westbound from the area.
Pittsfield Township police were not releasing any more information about the shooting Thursday.
"At this time there is no threat to the community," stated a release issued less than an hour after the arraignment. "No additional details will be released at this time in order to maintain the integrity of the investigation and prosecution."
John Counts covers cops and courts for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at johncounts@annarbor.com or you can follow him on Twitter.
Comments
Mitch
Thu, Feb 28, 2013 : 9:38 p.m.
Pointing a firearm at ANYONE, loaded or not, is an assult. Regardless of if you hit anyone.
DJBudSonic
Thu, Feb 28, 2013 : 9:36 p.m.
Were shots actually fired? Did they find shell casings from the shotgun?
Jay Thomas
Thu, Feb 28, 2013 : 9:12 p.m.
Sawed off shotguns are illegal whether he was firing one or not. He will need a lotta luck to get out of this one....
Ross
Thu, Feb 28, 2013 : 9:02 p.m.
Could it be possible that he wasn't actually aiming at vehicles? For someone with no common sense or training, the huge grassy shoulder of a highway could seem like a nice wide open shooting range?
An Arborigine
Thu, Feb 28, 2013 : 8:50 p.m.
I'll bet he was just confused about opening day of duck hunting season.
justcurious
Thu, Feb 28, 2013 : 8:19 p.m.
I think a thorough mental evaluation should be ordered on this man. Something is just not right.
RN217
Thu, Feb 28, 2013 : 8:13 p.m.
I'm very confused as to how there could be "no threat to the community".....what?!
Ross
Thu, Feb 28, 2013 : 9:01 p.m.
yeah, AFTER they caught the guy.
BHarding
Thu, Feb 28, 2013 : 8:34 p.m.
Wouldn't that be because they have the alleged shooter in custody?