DEARBORN – Dearborn Police arrested a Sterling Heights woman involved in a shooting that occurred near the parking lot of the Post Bar on the early morning of April 3.

The incident marks the latest in a string of violent altercations that have occurred at west Dearborn’s businesses on Michigan Ave. 

Last month, the city attempted to crack down on the violence by reviewing the liquor licenses of several businesses in the area.

At approximately 1:55 a.m., Dearborn police officers were patrolling the neighborhood when they heard two gunshots fired in a parking lot.

The officers observed a group of people involved in an altercation and immediately intervened.

Sterling Heights resident Maricka Leisha Zachery-Seay, 28, was identified as the culprit in the incident, after two victims told police that they were involved in an altercation with her when she discharged her gun. No injuries occurred. 

A warrant request was submitted to the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office. On April 5,  Zachery-Seay was charged with two counts of assault with intent to murder, two counts of assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, felony firearm, possession of firearm while under the influence and reckless use of a firearm.

She was arraigned in the 19th District Court by Judge Mark Somers and issued a $300,000 cash bond with a GPS tether if bond is posted. A preliminary exam is scheduled at the court for April 15 at 9 a.m.

“This type of violent behavior will not be tolerated in Dearborn,”  Police Chief Ron Haddad said in a statement. “Our officers’ quick response and thorough investigation led to the arrest of a dangerous suspect. We will continue to work to prevent these types of behaviors that endanger our community.”

A few weeks ago, the city reviewed the liquor licenses of The Post Bar, Nar Bar, Red Martini and Liv Lounge, following a string of altercations in the business district.

In March, new owners acquired the Post Bar and the city couldn’t legally hold them accountable for the previous incidents that occurred there. Thus, they were given a clean slate. 

Nabil Hamimeh, the attorney representing The Post Bar, told The Arab American News that the business owner is disappointed that a city press release tried to pin the incident on the bar.

Hamimeh noted that the parking lot where the incident occurred is city owned and used for various businesses in the plaza.

“For the police to say it happened in front of The Post Bar, is not entirely accurate,” Hamimeh said. “I don’t know why they singled it out.”

Hamimeh believes the city is unfairly targeting bars on Michigan Ave. and blaming them for the surge in violent altercations.

However, he noted that no violent altercations have occurred at The Post Bar since the new owner acquired it. The business is also equipped with security personnel to monitor patrons. 

“This is just another avenue for the city to put more pressure and give more credibility to their attacks,” Hamimeh said. “Unfortunately, crime can’t be prevented. Nobody knows when crime is going to take place. The Post Bar probably has more security personnel than any other bar. They are very vigilant.”

Hamimeh said the owner of The Post Bar has turned over surveillance footage to the police department in order to prove that the altercation didn’t occur on the bar’s property.