A Michigan teenager, Daniel Shane Canales, 16, is facing serious charges, including second-degree murder, after he allegedly fled from police in a stolen vehicle, leading to a high-speed chase that ended in a fatal crash. The crash killed 28-year-old Alex Habib, a newly married father of two.
The Fatal Crash
On July 12, early in the morning, police responded to a call about a suspicious vehicle at an apartment complex in Clinton Township. Officers saw a car driving slowly with its lights off, and when they attempted to pull the vehicle over, the driver, later identified as Canales, fled at high speed.
According to Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido, Canales led officers on a chase that reached speeds of up to 130 mph.
The chase ended when Canales collided with a Ford Fusion driven by Alex Habib. Habib, who worked two jobs to support his wife and young children, was rushed to the hospital but later died from his injuries.
His wife, whom he had married just six months ago, and their two young children, a 1-year-old and a 3-month-old, are now left without him.
Charges and Court Appearance
Canales appeared in court via Zoom on Thursday, where Magistrate Ryan Zemke denied him bond. Canales is now charged as an adult with second-degree murder, fleeing police, operating a vehicle with a revoked or suspended license, and unlawfully driving away in a stolen vehicle.
He was initially hospitalized with life-threatening injuries after the crash but was later released and taken into custody at the Macomb County Juvenile Justice Center.
During the arraignment, Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Jeffrey Hall told the court that Canales displayed a “lack of regard for authority” and highlighted that he was out at 2:30 a.m. with a 12-year-old passenger in a stolen car.
Hall expressed concerns about Canales’ supervision at home, citing the fact that he was out in the early hours without proper parental control.
The Victim’s Family
Alex Habib’s family, including his father-in-law, expressed their grief over the loss, calling him “a great guy” and a devoted father and husband. Habib worked tirelessly as an Uber driver and at a restaurant to provide for his family. His death has left his wife and young children devastated.
The 12-year-old passenger in Canales’ car is not being charged as a co-defendant.
Upcoming Court Dates
Canales is set to appear in court again on July 28. With serious charges pending, this case will continue to develop as authorities work through the details of the high-speed chase and the tragic consequences that followed.
This tragic incident has not only cost a father his life but has also raised serious concerns about the lack of supervision and accountability for a teenager involved in reckless behavior.
As Canales faces the consequences of his actions, the community mourns the loss of a man who worked tirelessly to support his family. The case remains under investigation as authorities move forward with the legal process.
