Friday, June 2, 2023

PONTIAC, Mich. - On June 1, 2023, Oakland County Prosecutor KAREN D. McDONALD charged James Lamar Middlebrooks, a 32-year-old resident of Pontiac, in relation to the firing of a weapon at his girlfriend. Middlebrooks is charged with Assault with Intent to Murder, Felon in Possession of Firearm, Carrying Concealed Weapon, Domestic Violence Second Offense, and two counts of Felony Firearm.

It is alleged that on May 30, 2023, while arguing outside with the 24-year-old female victim, Middlebrooks pulled a handgun and pointed it at her. As the victim was running away, the defendant allegedly shot at her. The victim was able to get away uninjured. Middlebrooks fled the scene and was later apprehended by the Oakland County Sheriff's Office Fugitive Apprehension Team (FAT). The defendant is currently in custody at the Oakland County Jail.

Gun violence and domestic violence and inextricably linked. Nearly 1 million women alive today have reported being shot or shot at by partners, and over 4.5 million women have reported being threatened with a gun by a partner. "Every woman and person deserve to feel safe in their relationships and we will hold this individual accountable," stated Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald.

Assault with Intent to Murder is a felony offense punishable by imprisonment for life or any number of years. Felon in Possession of Firearm is a felony offense punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment and/or up to a $5,000 fine. Carrying Concealed Weapon is a felony offense punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment and/or up to a $2,000 fine. Domestic Violence Second Offense is a misdemeanor offense punishable by 1 year jail time and/or up to a $1,000 fine. Felony Firearm carries a sentence of 2 years mandatory imprisonment.

Charges are accusations and individuals are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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