Man Armed With Weapons Tries Breaking Into Ex-Coworker's Royal Oak Home As She Slept: Cops

ROYAL OAK, MI — A Dearborn Heights man was caught trying to break into a former co-worker's house in Royal Oak over the weekend while armed with a gun, knife, rope and handcuffs, according to police.

Police said the woman was sleeping inside her home on Smith Avenue near Crooks Road around 1:20 a.m. Saturday when she awoke to someone trying to break into her side door.

The woman activated a panic button and the man tried walking away but was quickly caught by officers, according to police.

Investigators identified the man as 34-year-old Levi Trahern Smith, 34, who used to work with the woman and that he had previously showed a romantic interest in her, according to police.

Investigators also found that Smith was carrying a large backpack containing a loaded handgun, a large knife, handcuffs, rope, masks, a hammer, a crowbar, duct tape and latex gloves, according to police.

Smith was charged with first-degree attempted home invasion and felony firearm. He was placed in jail with a $25,000 bond. His next court date is scheduled for June 14.

If convicted, he faces up to five years in prison for the first-degree attempted home invasion and an additional two years for the felony firearm.

"The quick thinking of the victim to contact police once she realized this dangerous situation was unfolding prevented a much worse outcome," Royal Oak police Chief Michael Moore said. "As a result, the officers immediately located the suspect and took him into custody."

Anyone with additional information was asked to call Royal Oak Police at 248-246-3519 or 248-246-3456.