A Michigan man is facing a first-degree murder charge after prosecutors say a dispute over a power washer at a flea market turned deadly.
Zarick Lamont Johnson, 41, of Detroit, is accused of intentionally running over 59-year-old Mirhad Cehic with his van twice during the Sept. 26 confrontation at the County Line Trade Center in Warren.
Johnson has pleaded not guilty.
According to the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office, the dispute began after Johnson allegedly bought a power washer from Cehic and later discovered it did not work.
Authorities say Johnson returned to the flea market with a woman and confronted Cehic and his brother, Senad Cehic.
The argument allegedly escalated into a physical confrontation.
Prosecutors say Johnson first assaulted Senad, 53.
He then allegedly got behind the wheel of his 2004 Chevrolet Express van while Mirhad was standing in front of the vehicle.
Investigators say Johnson drove into Mirhad, then reversed and struck him again.
According to police, the second impact pinned Mirhad against part of the flea market building.
Emergency crews treated him at the scene before transporting him to Henry Ford Hospital in Warren.
He was later pronounced dead.
Security personnel and bystanders reportedly rushed in after the collision, pulled Johnson from the driver’s seat and held him until police arrived.
The woman who had accompanied Johnson was also taken into custody while investigators reviewed what happened.
Police later determined there was not enough evidence to charge her.
Johnson was arraigned Sept. 29 before 37th District Court Judge Suzanne Faunce.
He faces one count of first-degree murder, one count of assault and battery and an additional felony charge connected to the use of a motor vehicle during the alleged offense.
First-degree murder in Michigan carries a possible sentence of life in prison without parole.
Judge Faunce ordered Johnson held without bond at the Macomb County Jail.
Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido called the case a tragic example of how quickly a dispute can escalate.
“A dispute should never end with a life being lost,” Lucido said.
