A Florida man charged with a plethora of felonies, including carjacking and armed robbery outside of a Lifetime Fitness in Shelby Township, Michigan, has been sent to circuit court. As reported on August 28 by Macomb County officials, Xavier Gardner, 31, faced a preliminary exam over two days before he was bound over to face twelve serious charges in the Macomb County Circuit Court.
Gardner's preliminary exam concluded on Wednesday, and Judge Stephen S. Sierawski made the decision to move forward with the case. Among the charges Gardner is set to stand trial for are carjacking, conspiracy to commit carjacking, and multiple counts of felony firearm. Each carries significant potential prison time, with carjacking itself being punishable by life or any term of years in prison. The allegations stem from an incident on October 23, 2023, where Gardner and five accomplices are accused of having carjacked a victim at gunpoint and then allegedly tortured the victim before invading the victim's home.
The Macomb County Prosecutor's Office has indicated that Gardner will be arraigned in circuit court before Judge Joseph Toia on September 18. The heinousness of the crimes has led to an aggressive stance by local law enforcement and judiciary bodies, ensuring that justice is vigorously pursued. "The charges against this defendant reflect allegations of significant criminal conduct," Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido stated, emphasizing the office's dedication to holding those who break the law accountable. Four other suspects involved in the case are also set to face a jury trial later in the year.
