ROYAL OAK, Mich. – An attorney targeted a former coworker by trying to break into her Oakland County home with a gun, a knife, handcuffs, rope, and duct tape, officials said.
The break-in attempt happened around 1:20 a.m. Saturday, June 1, 2024, at a home on Smith Avenue in Royal Oak, police said.
📄 ORIGINAL STORY: Woman wakes up to former coworker breaking into home
The homeowner said she was startled awake and saw Levi Trahern Smith, 34, of Dearborn Heights, trying to get in through the side door of her home.
She activated a panic alarm, and two Royal Oak police officers arrested Smith before he could walk away, they said.
“I am relieved that the victim was vigilant and contacted law enforcement immediately,” Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald said. “Without the victim’s call to 911 and the work of the Royal Oak police, this situation could have been far worse.”
Smith was wearing latex gloves and a backpack containing a loaded handgun, a large knife, handcuffs, rope, masks, a hammer, a crowbar, duct tape, and latex gloves, according to Royal Oak police.
He targeted the woman because he used to work with her and had previously shown romantic interest, officials said.
“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 facing one count of first-degree attempted home invasion and one and one felony firearm violation. The first charge is a five-year felony, and the second is a two-year felony.
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.
Smith is a personal injury attorney out of Dearborn Heights, McDonald revealed. A search of the State Bar of Michigan shows he is licensed in Michigan and works for Anthony, Paulovich & Worrall, PLLC.
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.
