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Police media releases can be heavy on jargon and light on storytelling, but Shelby Township issues one Tuesday afternoon that does it right.


Joseph Bacci "felt uneasy ... [and] maintained surveillance in the area."

Its statement describes the department's response to a 911 call from a scared woman on Rhode Drive off Van Dyke Avenue, south of 22 Mile Road. The anonymous public information officer tells it as well as we could, so here's what she or he posts:

The caller stated she feared her estranged husband, a 30-year old-male, was on the way to harm her and her family members who were at the residence, which included her 2-year-old daughter. Threats were made by the male to shoot up the house.

Officer Joseph Bacci, a two-year member of the Shelby Township Police Department, responded to the location with other officers. Upon speaking with the female, he learned she is going through a divorce and believes her husband, an alleged drug user, took her two handguns.

The male arrived at the home while officers were speaking to the female. He was irate, and when questioned about the stolen guns, he said he had sold them. Officers ordered the male to leave the residence and to not return.

After leaving the residence, Officer Bacci felt uneasy about the entire situation. He maintained surveillance in the area.

Approximately 45 minutes after the male left, Officer Bacci observed the male driving back through the neighborhood toward the house. When the male observed Officer Bacci, he tried to elude Officer Bacci. Officer Bacci was able to catch up to the male at Van Dyke/Pacton and a traffic stop was initiated.

Officer Bacci waited for backup to arrive and approached the male. The male was driving on a revoked license and placed under arrest.  A search of the vehicle discovered a loaded handgun inside of the vehicle.

The male does not have a CCW permit and was carrying the weapon illegally. The male was arrested and charged.

"Officer Bacci's instincts probably prevented a senseless tragedy from occurring today," [says] Detective Lieutenant Terry Hogan.

Well-done and well-told, law enforcers of Shelby Township.