Sterling Heights Man Charged with Multiple Counts of Aggravated Assaults of Federal Officers While Resisting Arrest

DETROIT –Carl Emerson Travis, 52, of Sterling Heights, Michigan, was indicted by a federal grand jury with seven counts of aggravated assault on three deputy U.S. Marshals and four federal task force officers, United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison announced today.

Ison was joined in the announcement by Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan.

On March 29, 2024, members of the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Apprehension Team attempted to arrest Carl Emerson Travis, who was wanted in multiple jurisdictions. When Travis saw law enforcement approaching, he resisted arrest and tried to escape, accelerating his car in reverse at a high rate of speed. In the process, Travis 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 also 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 Ison.  “Our office will not hesitate to hold those accountable who harm law enforcement officers who are merely doing their jobs.”

"Mr. Travis not only attempted to evade arrest but also recklessly endangered the safety of the community and law enforcement personnel," said 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. Let it be clear: The severity of this offense will not be tolerated, and Mr. Travis will face the full extent of the law for his reckless and careless actions."

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.