Rifle-Carrying Teen's Trial Could Be Delayed
The judge overseeing Sean Combs' case is in the middle of a jury trial, possibly delaying the beginning of Combs' trial which is set to start Wednesday.
The trial for Sean Combs, the Troy 18-year-old facing charges after he was found carrying a rifle in downtown Birmingham, may be delayed.
According to Combs' attorney James Makowski, Judge Marc Barron is currently in the middle of a jury trial so the first day of Combs' trial — set for 8:30 a.m. Wednesday — may have to be pushed back.
Combs was at the 48th District Court Monday afternoon for an administrative pre-trial. Makowski said he and prosecuting attorney Mary Kucharek won't know if Combs is back on the docket for Wednesday until Tuesday.
"I have to prepare for a trial I don't know will happen," Makowski said.
Combs is charged with brandishing a firearm, disturbing the peace and obstructing an officer after an April 13 incident at the corner of Merrill and South Old Woodward.
Combs was arrested around 10 p.m. after refusing to show police officers identification after they asked about the M1 Garande rifle strapped to his back, police reports state.
Under Michigan law, as an adult Combs was legally allowed to carry the weapon and not required to show identification. However, police stated they requested it because Combs looked "very young."
At the June 20 evidentiary hearing, Barron denied a motion to dismiss the three charges facing Combs, filed by attorney James Makowski. According to Barron, Birmingham's ordinances are clear.
"City ordinances must follow constitutional law," Barron said. "(However) Home Rule cities have specific authority to enact ordinances in the interest of the city."