Fifth Florida suspect charged in Lifetime Fitness kidnap/torture case
The next-to-last Florida man suspected in last year’s violent kidnapping and torture of a Sterling Heights man outside of a Macomb County gym has been charged in the case, according to police and prosecutors.
Xavier Chase Gardner, 29, of Brandon, Fla., was arraigned Wednesday in 41A District Court in Shelby Township on 12 criminal charges. Judge Douglas Shepherd set bond at $5 million, cash only.
Earlier this week, Gardner was extradited from Florida to Michigan to face the charges.
Shelby Township police have not publicly said yet what the connection between the 24-year-old victim and suspects is as the case is still under investigation but emphasized it wasn’t a random incident.
“It was a brilliant plan they had, until they came into Shelby Township,” Shelby Township Police Chief Robert Shelide said in a statement.
According to police and Prosecutor Peter Lucido, the incident began when a 24-year-old man was carjacked at gunpoint by four armed and masked suspects outside of the Lifetime Fitness on Lakeside Boulevard on Oct. 23, 2023. They restrained him in his own pickup truck and drove away.
The suspects allegedly tortured the victim, drove to his house, and entered the residence. Sterling Heights officers arrived at the victim’s home and encountered one of the suspects in the truck with the victim.
The abductor fled in the vehicle with the victim. Police chased after it before he crashed, took him into custody, and secured a loaded assault rifle that was in the truck. The others were able to escape, but several have since been arrested.
At his arraignment, Gardner was charged with carjacking, armed robbery, torture, unlawful imprisonment, first-degree home invasion, three counts of weapons felony firearm, and four conspiracy charges.
“It is our duty to ensure that those who commit violent crimes face the full weight of the law,” Lucido said. “Every individual must be held accountable for their actions, ensuring that justice prevails and our society remains secure.”
According to police, Gardner’s arrest marks the fifth of six suspects apprehended for the kidnapping/torture case.
He is being held in the Macomb County Jail. A probable cause hearing is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Monday.
Shelby Township police extended their thanks to the Tampa Bay Police Department, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, and the members of the ATF Task Force for their continued assistance in the case.