Sterling Heights Man Charged with Assaulting Fed Cops

DETROIT — Carl Emerson Travis, 52, of Sterling Heights, Michigan, has been charged with seven counts of aggravated assault on federal officers after he resisted arrest and attacked three deputy U.S. Marshals and four federal task force officers.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, on March 29, 2024, members of the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Apprehension Team attempted to arrest Travis, who was wanted in multiple jurisdictions.

Travis saw law enforcement approaching and tried to escape, accelerating his car in reverse at a high rate of speed. In the process, he dragged a deputy U.S. Marshal and a task force officer with his car and knocked another officer to the ground.

As Travis’s vehicle flew backwards, it nearly struck several other deputies and officers who stood nearby. Travis ultimately slammed into a parked car, pushing it through the wall of an occupied hotel room. Only then was Travis finally placed under arrest.

“Our federal law enforcement officers put their lives at risk every day to keep us safe. The actions of this defendant were reckless and put the lives of our officers in danger,” said U.S. Attorney Dawn N. Ison.

“Mr. Travis not only attempted to evade arrest but also recklessly endangered the safety of the community and law enforcement personnel,” added Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. “Our brave law enforcement partners place their lives on the line daily to uphold justice, and we will not tolerate any actions against them.”

An indictment is only a formal charging document and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

This case was investigated by the Michigan State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nhan Ho.

Travis, 52, of Sterling Heights, faces seven counts of aggravated assault on federal officers. If convicted, he could face significant prison time. The severity of this offense will not be tolerated, and Travis will face the full extent of the law for his reckless and careless actions.

Travis will be brought before a federal magistrate for arraignment. The public is advised to remain vigilant and report any information regarding this case to the authorities.

We will continue to follow this case and provide updates as more information becomes available.