A Detroit man is behind bars after police say he tried to force his way into a Hazel Park home while children were inside, then allegedly admitted to a string of other break-ins in the area. Earl Chambers, 61, was arraigned Tuesday and is facing multiple felony counts tied to the reported home invasions.
How Police Say the Break-In Unfolded
According to investigators, the ordeal started weeks earlier when a 15-year-old who was watching younger siblings saw a stranger at the front door and heard him speak to a 5-year-old. The teen told his mother but did not contact police at that time.
On Friday, police say the same teenager spotted the same man standing at a nearby corner. The teen ran inside, locked up the house, and moments later the suspect allegedly tried to shove open a back door and tore a screen off a window. The man took off when the teen called for help, according to officers.
Police arrested Chambers about two blocks away. Investigators say he later told detectives that he carries out home invasions to support a drug habit and admitted to additional incidents in both Hazel Park and neighboring Ferndale, as reported by ClickOnDetroit.
Confession and Criminal Record
The Michigan Department of Corrections offender database lists Chambers with prior convictions for first- and second-degree home invasions in 2019, 2011, and 2010, along with earlier robbery convictions going back to the 1980s. State records show he has served multi-year prison terms in Wayne and Saginaw counties and that his most recent discharge date was in November 2025. The offender profile also notes past armed and unarmed robbery convictions, according to the Michigan Department of Corrections.
Charges and Court Status
Oakland County authorities have charged Chambers with first-degree home invasion, second-degree home invasion, larceny of a firearm, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm while committing a crime, and first-degree attempted home invasion. He appeared in court on Tuesday, where a judge set his bond at $500,000.
Investigators told reporters they believe Chambers may be connected to at least seven other home invasions between Hazel Park and Ferndale as the investigation continues, according to ClickOnDetroit.
What the Law Says
Under Michigan law, first-degree home invasion is a felony that can carry a prison sentence of up to 20 years, while second-degree home invasion is punishable by up to 15 years. Penalties can increase when weapons or firearm offenses are added to the charges. For the specific statutory language and penalty structure, see the Michigan Compiled Laws via the Michigan Legislature.
The case remains under investigation and is pending in Oakland County courts. Officials have not released any additional public statements, and a future court date has not yet been posted publicly.
