A 40-year-old Livonia man who prosecutors say forced his way into two neighbors' properties while wearing a white hazmat suit, including one encounter where he pointed a weapon at a 77-year-old homeowner, will serve no additional time behind bars. Manuel Sarkis Bardakjian pleaded guilty on Oct. 9 to assault with a dangerous weapon and second-degree home invasion, and was sentenced to 39 days in jail with credit for 39 days already served.
According to ClickOnDetroit, Bardakjian's plea deal led prosecutors to drop a felony firearm charge and an assault charge. He was also sentenced to three years of probation and must undergo mental health evaluations with follow-up treatment. Court records cited by the station state that any “non-technical violation” of his probation terms would trigger a 12-to-60-month jail sentence.
Two Break-Ins a Day Apart
The case stems from two incidents that occurred within a day of each other in May. Prosecutors said that on May 13, Bardakjian forced his way into a 31-year-old neighbor's yard on Bristol Drive while wearing a white hazmat suit, and allegedly assaulted the homeowner before fleeing the area.
Less than 24 hours later, on May 14, prosecutors said Bardakjian forced his way into a home on Bloomfield Drive and pointed a weapon at a 77-year-old homeowner who was in the backyard at the time. Police said he threatened to shoot the homeowner and was again wearing a white hazmat suit before he fled. He was arrested on June 6 following an investigation by the Livonia Police Department.
Defense Cites Disability After Crash
In court, defense attorney Drew Norton told the judge that Bardakjian is married with children, has no prior criminal record, and has been on disability since a car accident left him with a head injury and two broken wrists. Norton said Bardakjian's family described him as different since the accident and said the alleged behavior was out of character for him, adding that Bardakjian was struggling and needed help.
What the Charges Mean Under Michigan Law
Michigan's second-degree home invasion statute, MCL 750.110a, covers breaking and entering a dwelling with intent to commit a felony, larceny, or assault inside. It was one of two felony counts Bardakjian admitted to as part of his plea agreement, alongside assault with a dangerous weapon, while the felony firearm and assault charges were dismissed.
