Court Watching: Mutschler, Combs facing final conference on Sumpter felony charges

By Rosemary K. Otzman
Independent Editor
Cody Alan Mutschler, 19, and Austin-Christopher Arthur Williams-Combs, 19, both of Sumpter Township, were bound over to circuit court for arraignments on the information by 34th District Court Judge Brian A. Oakley on Aug. 27.
They both were facing their final conference, as co-defendants, at 9 a.m. Oct. 3 before Wayne Circuit Court Judge Bruce U. Morrow at the Frank Murphy Hall of Justice in Detroit. The participants were present, but the final conference was continued to Oct. 17.
The two were arrested in Sumpter Township on Aug. 9. It all began when a group of young males were engaging another male at Sherwood Park, according to Det./Cpl. John Toth.
The 22-year-old Sumpter resident, who became the victim, said he was told it would be in his best interests if he left the park and he left on foot and called 911 to ask for help. He described to the dispatcher everything that had happened and was standing in someone’s yard when a carload of people left the roadway and struck him. Dispatch heard everything that happened, Det./Cpl. Toth said, adding that alcohol was a factor.
The victim was able to jump out of the way of the truck, but was struck with the open door. After the victim was struck, the truck drove off and Officer Joseph Balowski apprehended it 2.5 miles from the scene.
Both Mutschler, the driver, and Williams-Combs, the front-seat passenger, were charged with assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder and assault with a dangerous weapon (felonious assault).
Mutschler also was charged with operating a motor vehicle under the influence causing serious injury.
Toth said the whole incident was based on incorrect information and they thought the victim did something that he didn’t do.
Both the defendants are free on $5,000 personal recognizance bond.