Dana Nessel, Attorney General of Michigan | www.facebook.com
Dana Nessel, Attorney General of Michigan | www.facebook.com
Sterling Heights Police Officers James Sribniak and Jack Currie will face trial in Macomb County's 16th Circuit Court on charges related to their actions during the pursuit and arrest of a domestic violence suspect in February 2024, according to Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel.
Officer Sribniak, age 31, is charged with one count of Misconduct in Office, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison, and one count of Felonious Assault, punishable by up to four years. Officer Currie, age 29, faces one count of Misconduct in Office and one count of Assault with Intent to do Great Bodily Harm Less than Murder, which carries a potential ten-year sentence.
The charges stem from an incident on February 25, 2024. According to allegations, after a vehicular and foot pursuit that followed the suspect fleeing from a traffic stop, both officers were involved in the apprehension while the suspect was already on the ground and had been subjected to multiple taser deployments. It is alleged that Officer Currie struck the suspect’s head and face multiple times with his fist and kicked him in the head and neck area. Officer Sribniak allegedly ordered his K9 unit dog to bite the suspect on the hip.
Both officers were initially charged in October 2024. Their next court appearance is scheduled for October 6.
Attorney General Nessel stated: “We expect police officers to exercise sound and professional judgment, especially when making the serious decision to deploy a K9. I am glad this case has finally moved forward to trial and look forward to presenting our case in court.”
It was noted by officials that all criminal charges are allegations at this stage; defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty. The Department does not provide booking photos.