Michigan State Police arrested a 35-year-old Midland man in Auburn for tampering with his electronic monitoring device, which he allegedly cut off and was holding in his hand when police arrived.
Michigan State Police Lt. Kim Vetter said a 41-year-old woman called 911 on Feb. 18 saying she wanted Joseph Saunders to be removed from her Moll Street home.
In their report, troopers stated they found Saunders at the home holding the electronic tether he had removed from his leg.
Saunders was arrested without incident.
Saunders was also charged with forfeiting/absconding bond. He had been lodged in the Midland County Jail from May 5 until Jan. 18 in connection with a Midland home invasion and assaulting police. He was released on a $100,000 cash surety bond on Jan. 18 and was ordered to keep the tether on.
Midland police arrested Saunders on May 5, 2022 for fighting with officers and home invasion. Saunders allegedly broke into a home in the 300 block of Walter Court about 9 p.m. that night, said Midland Police Department Community Relations Officer Brennon Warren. While wearing some of the homeowner’s clothes, Saunders allegedly fought with officers, claiming he lived in the house.
Saunders is charged with home invasion, assault and felony assault on law enforcement.
Warren said the Walter Court homeowners arrived at their residence on May 5 and saw an unknown man inside. The man came out wearing their clothing and saying he lived there. He then retreated into the house, and the homeowners called 911.
Midland man, Joseph Saunders, accused of a May home invasion was out on bond and re-arrested for tampering with monitor
When police arrived, one of the homeowners unlocked the door to the house, allowing police to enter. Two officers attempted to talk to Saunders. He insisted that he lived in the house. As they attempted to arrest Saunders, he fought the two officers and pulled away from them. Warren said they were finally able to handcuff Saunders and transport him to the jail.
The two officers suffered minor injuries to their hands in the scuffle with Saunders.
Saunders is set for a review hearing at 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 7 before Midland County District Court Judge Michael Carpenter.