ROYAL OAK (WWJ) — Charges have been filed against a Dearborn Heights man who was caught trying to break into the Royal Oak home of a woman he used to work with.
Police arrested 34-year-old Levi Smith early Saturday morning after he tried to break into the woman's home on Smith Avenue. Smith was charged Tuesday with one felony count of attempted home invasion.
Around 1:20 a.m. on June 1 the woman called 911 after she woke up to a man trying to enter her home through the side door. Police officials say she "activated a panic alarm" and the suspect tried to walk away.
But Smith was immediately confronted by two Royal Oak police officers.
Authorities say he was wearing latex gloves and carrying a backpack which "contained an assortment of concerning items," including a loaded handgun, a large knife, handcuffs, rope, masks, a hammer, a crowbar, duct tape and more latex gloves.
Investigators learned Smith used to work with the victim and he "had exhibited a romantic interest in her in the past." Authorities believe the victim was targeted in this incident.
"The quick thinking of the victim to contact police once she realized this dangerous situation was unfolding prevented a much worse outcome. As a result, the officers immediately located the suspect and took him into custody", Royal Oak Police Chief Michael Moore said, per a press release.
Smith was arraigned Tuesday on one count each of first-degree attempted home invasion and felony firearm. If convicted of the home invasion charge, Smith could face up to five years in prison.
Bond was set at $25,000 cash/surety and his next court date has been scheduled for June 14.
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