Flea market shopper accused of running over vendor as dispute over power washer turns deadly

Flea market shopper accused of running over vendor as dispute over power washer turns deadly The suspect allegedly assaulted the victim before twice driving his van into him, killing him - Bookmark Become an Independent member to bookmark this article Already a member? Log in A dispute over a power washer at a Michigan flea market turned deadly when a customer allegedly drove a van into the vendor who sold it to him. Mirhad Cehic, 59, was fatally struck Saturday at the County Line Trade Center in Warren after an argument broke out between him, his brother and two customers, according to Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido. Zarick Lamont Johnson, 41, of Detroit, has since been charged with first-degree murder and other offenses in connection with Cehic’s death. Johnson and a woman allegedly returned to the flea market after buying a power washer from Cehic earlier in the day. The pair allegedly believed the machine did not work, prompting a confrontation with Cehic and his brother, Senad, 53, according to Warren Police. The argument escalated into a physical altercation, prosecutors said. Johnson allegedly assaulted Senad before getting into a 2004 Chevrolet Express van. Johnson then allegedly drove the vehicle toward Mirhad, striking him. Lucido said Johnson reversed the van before driving forward again, pinning Cehic between the vehicle and a wall. Bystanders intervened and pulled Johnson from the van, holding him until police arrived, authorities said. Cehic was treated at the scene by emergency medical crews and taken to Henry Ford Hospital in Warren, where he was pronounced dead. Johnson and the woman were initially taken into custody. The woman was not charged. Cehic’s family identified him as the victim, saying the Bosnian native immigrated to the U.S. more than 30 years ago and had spent years selling outdoor power equipment, including lawn mowers and snowblowers, at the flea market to help support his family. He is survived by his wife, three adult children and two teenage children. "He goes there every weekend and sells items that people buy, and for some reason, this happened," his son, Alvin Cehic, 24, told WXYZ. “He was a young guy at the age of 59. He had plenty more years to live," Alvin Cehic continued. "He made sure people were alright and he took care of us. He just wanted us to be the best for ourselves. He was a good father for sure, I'll tell you that. He made sure that we were good from the top to the bottom.” Johnson was arraigned Tuesday. In addition to first-degree murder, he faces charges of assault or assault and battery and a felony involving the use of a motor vehicle in the commission of an offense. He pleaded not guilty and was denied bond. He remains in the Macomb County Jail and was ordered to have no contact with witnesses or victims. “This is a terrible situation,” Lucido said in a statement. “One man is dead, another is allegedly assaulted and a third is charged with murder and could face the most severe punishment provided under Michigan law. A dispute should never end with a life being lost.” Johnson’s next court hearing is scheduled for October 13 for a probable cause conference.