A 34-year-old Dearborn Heights man, identified as Levi Trahern Smith, was confronted by officers after a Royal Oak woman reported an attempted break-in at her home, was found carrying an array of items including a loaded gun and duct tape, according to reports from WWJ Newsradio, FOX 2 Detroit, and WXYZ Detroit. Smith, who was arrested early Saturday morning, allegedly attempted to enter the side door of a woman's home on Smith Avenue, having previously worked with her and expressed romantic interest.
Around 1:20 a.m. on June 1, the woman, startled by the sight of a man attempting to enter her house on her security system, quickly called 911 and activated a panic alarm causing Smith to walk away but not far enough because police nabbed him shortly thereafter. Royal Oak police said the victim’s sharp reflexes likely prevented a dire outcome while Smith was charged Tuesday with first-degree attempted home invasion and felony firearm. The panic alarm's effectiveness was also highlighted by Royal Oak Police Lt. Rich Millard, who told WXYZ Detroit, "That made the suspect walk away and right into the hands of the officers that were arriving on the scene." Upon confrontation, authorities found that Smith, unawares perhaps that destiny had dealt its card, came carrying items that included handcuffs, masks, a hammer, and latex gloves among others in his backpack.
Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald, relieved by the victim's vigilance, emphasized the potential gravity of the situation had law enforcement not been contacted immediately, a sentiment echoing across the community as neighbors expressed their shock over the circumstances in their otherwise quiet neighborhood. One neighbor, emphasizing the seriousness of the allegations stated, "Pretty bad intentions," while another underscored a shift in the community's sentiments going forward, "This kind of was a neighborhood where you didn’t [lock doors] and now, we’re going to have to do that a little bit more," Chris Lyon told WXYZ Detroit.
Smith's employment status was promptly addressed by his former law firm, Anthony, Paulovich & Worrall, in a statement obtained by WXYZ Detroit, which declared, "On Monday, June 3 we learned of an unfortunate incident that transpired over the weekend concerning a former member of our staff. Firm leadership acted swiftly, and Mr. Levi Smith is no longer employed by Anthony, Paulovich & Worrall. We will not be commenting further as there is an ongoing investigation and any questions should be referred to the Oakland County Prosecutor's office. We sincerely hope the victim in this situation receives the support they need and begins the process of healing." Smith’s case is ongoing with a probable cause conference scheduled for June 14, during which time the Court might delve deeper into the psyche of a man who stands on the precipice of justice, justice that dangles before him as the hammer of the law.
