ROYAL OAK, Mich. – An Oakland County woman woke up to a former coworker who once had a romantic interest in her breaking into her home with a backpack of concerning items, police said.
Levi Trahern Smith, 34, of Dearborn Heights, is accused of trying to break into a home on Smith Avenue in Royal Oak around 1:20 a.m. Saturday, June 1, 2024.
The woman said she woke up to find Smith trying to enter the side door of her home. She triggered a panic alarm and Smith tried to walk away, but he was arrested by two Royal Oak officers.
Police said Smith was wearing latex gloves and carrying a backpack. Inside that backpack was a loaded handgun, a large knife, handcuffs, rope, masks, a hammer, a crowbar, duct tape, and latex gloves.
Smith and the woman used to be coworkers, and he had shown romantic interest in her in the past, according to officials. Police believe Smith specifically targeted the woman in this case.
“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.”
Smith is charged with one count of first-degree attempted home invasion, a five-year felony, and one felony firearm violation, which carries a two-year sentence.
He was arraigned Tuesday at 44th District Court and given a $25,000 bond, cash/surety, no 10%.
His next court appearance is scheduled for June 14.
Anyone with additional information about Smith or this case is asked to call the Royal Oak Police Department at 248-246-3519 or 248-246-3456.
