Macomb Sheriff Candidate, Ex-Warren Councilman Faces Gun Charge: Cops

WARREN, MI — A Republican candidate for Macomb County sheriff and former Warren councilman is facing a gun charge after a Sunday traffic stop in Warren, according to the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office.

Edward Kabacinski, 50, was charged with carrying a concealed weapon, which carries a five-year felony. His bond was set at $5,000 and he was barred from possessing firearms. His next court date is scheduled for May 14.

Officers stopped Kabacinski at roughly 1:20 p.m. Sunday near Hoover and Common roads after they noticed a cracked windshield on his Dodge van that also had an expired license plate from October 2019, according to police.

During the traffic stop, officers noticed Kabacinski was carrying a revolver in a holster on his right hip, according to police.

Kabacinski told officers that he was a retired law enforcement officer and gave them his driver’s license, a silver badge that said "United States Army," "Military Retired Police" and an expired U.S. Army Reserve Military identification card, according to police.

Kabacinski then told officers that he did not have a concealed pistol license and did not need one "because of his retired military status," according to police.

Officers took the loaded revolver, which was registered to Kabacinski, and placed him in a patrol car, according to police.

Officers also found additional ammunition for the revolver, handcuffs and handcuff keys, according to police.

Police could not immediately verify if Kabacinski was illegally carrying a concealed handgun, and determined they needed to investigate the matter further, according to police.

In the meantime, Kabacinski's van was impounded and he was issued a civil infraction for expired plates and a cracked windshield, before he was released at the scene, according to police.

Warren Police began investigating the incident on Monday and turned over their findings to the prosecutor’s office the same day.

On Thursday, Kabacinski turned himself into police while wearing a full military uniform, according to police.

"We will prosecute those who choose to unlawfully carry weapons. Everyone, regardless of who they are, is held accountable for their actions," said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido.

This is not the first time Kabacinski has found himself in trouble with police. In 2020, he was arrested after he tackled and handcuffed a counterprotester at a Trump rally. Also, in 2021, he was arrested for selling Trump merchandise without a license. He was sentenced to probation in both cases.

Kabacinski is one of three Republican candidates vying for the office of Macomb County sheriff in Michigan's primary on Aug. 6. Sheriff Anthony Wickersham, a Democrat, is running for reelection.