Man armed with knives allegedly crashes vehicle into Warren business, threatens to kill

WARREN, Mich. – An armed man was arrested Friday night after allegedly crashing into a Warren business, brandishing knives and threatening to kill customers and employees.

The incident unfolded on Dec. 27, 2024, just before 12 a.m. at the 7-Eleven convenience store at 12 Mile and Schoenherr.

Brian Steele, 46, allegedly began terrorizing customers and employees in the store after crashing his vehicle into the building by brandishing knives and threatening to kill. The employees locked themselves in the back room until police arrived.

When police arrived at the scene, officers met Steele armed with two knives, covered in blood, and bleeding from self-inflicted wounds. His girlfriend was standing next to him at the time.

Officers ordered Steele to drop the knives, to which Steele responded, “kill me, kill me.”

Officers reportedly responded to Steele saying, “Nobody wants to kill you.” At this point, his girlfriend was able to get away from the situation safely as officers urged Steele to drop the knives.

Additional officers responded and deployed a Taser, causing Steele to fall to the ground and drop the knives. Steele was then arrested.

Officers recovered two serrated kitchen knives and learned no one in the business was injured.

Steele was taken to the Warren Jail after being treated and released at a local hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

On Dec. 30, 2024, Steele was charged with one count of Assault With Intent to Rob While Armed, two counts of Assault With a Dangerous Weapon and one count of Malicious Destruction of a Building.

Steele was arraigned and pleaded not guilty. His bond was set at $250,000 cash or surety.

The Warren Police Department said Steele was charged as a habitual fourth offender due to several previous felony convictions for breaking and entering, home invasion, retail fraud, larceny and other crimes. He was on parole during this incident.