Suspect Arraigned in Deputy Overall’s Death, Claimed to be God (video)
Pontiac, MI – 22 year old Christopher Joseph Berak reportedly went to both Lapeer County Jail and Thumb Correctional Facility on Wednesday night before the pursuit which ended with the fatal running down of Oakland County Deputy Eric Overall in Brandon Township.
Lapeer County Sheriff Scott McKenna told reporters Friday that Berak spoke to officials through intercoms at both locations, stating that he was God and that he was “there to break out one of his sons being held there in violation of man-made laws.” Police then pursued him over 20 miles for the chase’s fatal ending.
Berak was arraigned Saturday before Magistrate Marie Soma via video conference with Berak being held in Macomb County and Magistrate Soma being in the 52nd Third District Court. The arraignment was also televised at Oakland County Jail for the media. Berak was charged with premeditated homicide and murder of a police officer and he faces life in prison.
Attorney Steven Rabbo told Magistrate Soma that his client had a history of mental health conditions as well as a record with “a couple” marijuana related misdemeanors and is on probation for attempted fleeing and alluding law enforcement and driving while under the influence of marijuana.
Police say that on Nov. 23 while fleeing from Deputies in Lapeer, Berak entered Oakland County traveling South on M-15. Oakland County Deputy Eric Overall was preparing to deploy “stop sticks” to end the chase when Berak, driving a 2004 blue Saturn Ion, intentionally went off on the side of the road and struck Overall, killing him.
Deputy Overall was 50 years old and had worked with Oakland County Sheriff’s Office for 22 years.
Berak’s attorney Rabbo said, in regards to bond, “He has very good parental support. I don’t think he’s a risk of flight, but judge, to be frank, I understand how serious these charges are.” Berak was held without bond and has a probable cause conference on Dec. 4 at 9am.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help the family of Deputy Overall at https://www.gofundme.com/in-memory-of-deputy-eric-overall.
Previous stories:
https://oaklandcounty115.com/2017/11/23/candlelight-vigil-held-for-fallen-deputy-eric-overall-video/
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Note: Video has been edited to remove parent’s names and location.
