Oakland County Prosecutor Charges Waterford Man with Assault, ‘Ghost Gun’ Possession, and Other Firearms Violations after Fleeing Police

PONTIAC, Mich. – Oakland County Prosecutor KAREN D. McDONALD charged Brandon Tyler Neil, a 29-year-old resident of Waterford, with Felonious Assault, Assaulting a Police Officer, Carrying a Concealed Weapon, three counts of Felony Firearm, Possession of Firearms by a Prohibited Person, and Possession of Ammunition by a Prohibited Person.

On July 30, a Waterford police officer approached the defendant, who was wanted for failure to appear in a 51st District Court domestic violence case, and the defendant fled. When apprehended, the defendant—who cannot legally purchase a gun—was reportedly in possession of a knife, a pistol with an extended magazine, and a homemade “ghost gun” with no serial number. The defendant’s mother also alleged that he had assaulted her and pointed a gun at her.

More weapons were reportedly found in the defendant’s residence, as well as a notebook with an entry that read, “I will complete my mission. There will be no one left in my way by the power God gave me. Invested in me. Poured into me to be a knight clothed in God's glorious armor.”

“Domestic violence assaults involving a gun are 12 times more likely to cause death,” said Prosecutor McDonald. “This defendant failed to appear on a previous domestic violence charge and allegedly assembled a small arsenal of dangerous weapons, including a ghost gun, while apparently in crisis. I’m grateful he was apprehended before someone was killed or seriously injured.”

• Felonious Assault is punishable by 4 years in prison and/or a $2,000.00 fine.

• Assaulting a Police Officer is punishable by 2 years in prison and/or a $2,000.00 fine.

• Carrying a Concealed Weapon is punishable by up to 5 years in prison and/or a $2,500 fine and mandatory forfeiture of the weapon.

• Felony Firearm is punishable by 2 years in prison served consecutively with any other sentence.

• Possession of Firearms by a Prohibited Person is punishable by up to 5 years in prison and/or a $2,500 fine and mandatory forfeiture of the weapon.

• Possession of Ammunition by a Prohibited Person is punishable by up to 5 years in prison and/or a $2,500 fine and mandatory forfeiture of the weapon.

Free and confidential help is available if you, or someone you know, is experiencing domestic violence. Please call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text START to 88788.

Charges are accusations and individuals are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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