A Michigan teenager, Daniel Shane Canales, has been charged with second-degree murder and other serious offenses after a high-speed chase led to a deadly crash that killed a 28-year-old father of two.
Canales, 16, is accused of fleeing from police in a stolen car, reaching speeds up to 130 mph, and causing a fatal collision with a car driven by Alex Habib, an Uber driver and father of two young children.
The Fatal Crash and Charges
On July 12, 2025, police responded to a call at an apartment complex in Clinton Township and saw a vehicle driving slowly with its headlights and taillights off. When officers attempted to pull the car over, the driver, later identified as Canales, fled the scene at a high rate of speed.
The chase ended around 3 a.m., when Canales’ vehicle collided with a Ford Fusion driven by Alex Habib.
Habib, a father of a 1-year-old and a 3-month-old, was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries and later died. Habib had been working two jobs, including driving for Uber, to support his family. His father-in-law described him as “a great guy” in an interview with local news.
Canales and the 12-Year-Old Passenger
When police approached the crashed vehicle, they found Canales with life-threatening injuries and a 12-year-old child as a passenger.
The child, who was not charged, was reportedly unharmed in the crash. Canales was taken to the hospital, treated, and then arrested. He is now being held at the Macomb County Juvenile Justice Center.
The Charges Against Canales
At Canales’ arraignment on July 17, 2025, Magistrate Ryan Zemke denied bond, and Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido announced that Canales would be charged as an adult. The teenager faces second-degree murder, fleeing a police officer, operating a vehicle under a suspended license, and other charges.
Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Jeffrey Hall told the court that Canales displayed a “lack of regard for authority” and that the incident highlighted poor supervision from his parents. Hall added, “The fact that the 16-year-old was out at 2:30 a.m. with the 12-year-old stealing a car shows a lack of parental authority for supervision of the son.”
Community Impact and Investigation
The crash has shaken the community, particularly Habib’s family, who are mourning his loss. Authorities have also pointed out the dangerous behavior of Canales, emphasizing that the high speeds and reckless actions put not only the teen but also innocent lives at risk.
Canales is scheduled to return to court on July 28, 2025, to face the remaining charges. The investigation into the incident continues, and further details may be revealed in upcoming court hearings.
