Officials arrested a delivery driver earlier this month wanted in connection with a string of home invasions across multiple townships.
According to the St. Clair County Sheriffs Office, the suspect reportedly broke into more than six homes while on his delivery route starting on November 28.
Deonte King, 32 years old of Redford, was taken into custody after he was stopped in a white box truck not far from a reported home invasion in the area of Werner Road in Columbus Township.
King was arraigned on one count of home invasion first degree and five counts of home invasion second degree on December 9. The judge set a $200,000 cash/surety bond.
St. Clair County Sheriff Matt King is urging the community to keep doors and windows locked. If anyone notices anything suspicious, theyre asked to call 911.
Thank you to the road patrol deputies for detailing each incident, allowing for a thorough description of the suspect and vehicle to be compiled, allowing the detectives to connect the cases. With the help of local and federal agencies in the area, we were able to locate King and prevent further incidents, says Sheriff Mat King in a statement.
OUR Credit Union announced that they were able to collect $4,000 and hundreds of new toys this month in partnership with the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots initiative.
Its the first year OUR Credit Union has collected for Toys for Tots.
The credit union still has one more day of collection, with the final drop off event happening on Thursday, December 11, at the Shelby Township branch at 54870 Mound Road. The credit union is accepting new toys and monetary donations.
We were hopeful this fundraiser would be a success, but being that it was our first time, we didnt know what to expect. We are deeply appreciative of the remarkable generosity shown by our members, said Evita Beadle, Accounting Manager and Care Committee Co-Chair at OUR Credit Union, in a statement.
Detroit police are asking for the publics help to locate a missing 40-year-old woman who has schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
The Detroit Police Department says Sarah Booth left her home on December 8 and did not return. She was last seen in the 1200 block of E. Grand Boulevard.
Booth was wearing a black jacket with green stripes, a white shirt, gray jogging pants and tennis shoes at the time of her disappearance.
Booth is described as 59 and about 200 pounds with brown eyes and black hair with shaved sides. She also has an Old English D on her left inner forearm.
Anyone with information on her whereabouts is asked to call the Detroit Police Department at 313-596-5740.
Editor's note: Sarah Booth is a relative of a Channel 7 employee
A fourth-grade teacher at Pleasantview Elementary School in Eastpointe Community Schools if facing federal child pornography charges after being arrested in Vermont.
Watch Ruta Ulcinaite's video report: Eastpointe elementary school teacher facing child pornography charges
Martin Waskowski has been charged with transporting child pornography in interstate of foreign commerce and knowingly possesing child pornography that had been transported in interstate or foreign commerce.
Waskowski was arrested on December 3 while trying to enter into the U.S. from Canada at the Highgate Springs Port of Entry in Highgate, Vermont, which is towards the western state border with New York. Officials say he had been flagged for secondary inspection because he was "an exact match" for "a law enforcement records inquiry with suspicion of attempted sexual enticement of a minor."
According to the criminal complaint, during the secondary inspection, a Customs and Border Patrol officer examined Waskowski's phone and found "probably child sexual abuse material." Waskowski was then detained and the Homeland Security Investigations was called for assistance. It was during an examination of Waskowski's phone by the HSI agent that, according to the criminal complaint, images of children under the age of 14 involved in various sex acts were found interspersed with personal photos and videos of Waskowki.
During questioning, officials say Waskowski admitted to "seeking and receiving" child pornography, as well as producing child pornography by recording a spy camera of a 12-year-old boy in a restroom at his Michigan home. Parents at Pleasantview Elementary, where Waskowski has been a 4th Grade teacher for three school years, are frustrated by the alleged findings.
Its awful. Its scary, what do you do? You leave your kids, you think theyre in good hands and then you find out a predator is in the school," grandparent at the elementary school Sharon Smith said.
During a court appearance, Waskowski was ordered to be released to the custody of his father for home detention. He was also ordered to say away from areas where children may be and not contact any minors. He is due back in Vermont Federal Court on December 23.
Eastpointe Community Schools released the following statemtn on their website about the case:
Eastpointe Community Schools was notified on Friday, December 5, 2025, by the Michigan State Police and the Department of Homeland Security that a Pleasantview teacher had been arrested out of state on December 3, 2025, and charged with possession and transportation of child exploitation materials. Prior to this formal notification, the District had no knowledge of, nor had it received any allegations related to, this individual. Eastpointe Community Schools was notified on Friday, December 5, 2025, by the Michigan State Police and the Department of Homeland Security that a Pleasantview teacher had been arrested out of state on December 3, 2025, and charged with possession and transportation of child exploitation materials. Prior to this formal notification, the District had no knowledge of, nor had it received any allegations related to, this individual. Upon receiving this information, the District took immediate action and placed Pleasantview Elementary teacher Martin Waskowski on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. As with all criminal proceedings, a charge is an allegation; the individual is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. However, the safety and well-being of our students is our highest priority. We take this matter extremely seriously, and regardless of the outcome of the criminal investigation, the District will continue to act in the best interest of children at all times. Mr. Waskowski has been employed with Eastpointe Community Schools at Pleasantview for three school years. A long-term substitute teacher has been assigned to the classroom to ensure continuity of instruction and minimize any disruption to students learning. The District is cooperating fully with the agencies involved in the investigation. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) has established a dedicated email for parents or guardians to report any concerning behavior. School social workers are also available to support students who may have questions or concerns. For tips or information related to this matter, please email: <u>HSI-Waskowski-Investigation@hsi.dhs.gov</u>
The Waterford Community Coalition is seeking volunteers and donations ahead of its Shop With a Hero event this weekend.
This Saturday, Dec. 13, local law enforcement and first responders will Christmas shop with children in need in the community.
The Coalition's goal is to provide 100 Waterford School District kids the chance to shop with a local hero or their family.
If you would like to give money or volunteer this weekend, you can call or text (947)229-7140, email resource@ccwaterford.org, or scan the QR code on this Facebook post.
Dozens of hockey players will come together for a 24-hour, continuous hockey game in East Lansing to benefit a nonprofit raising funds for pediatric cancer.
The LivSports 24-hour hockey Marathon, presented by LivFree, will take place April 18-19, 2026, at the historic Munn Arena on the campus of Michigan State University.
"LivFree is a childhood cancer nonprofit organization that brings families together through a moment of joy. These moments may be small in scale, but the scope of their impact is great," the organization's website said.
During the 24-hour hockey marathon, more than 80 adult hockey players will come together to play the 24-hour game that will be broken up into three divisions.
Players who register have to raise $1,500, which is the average cost to support a LivFree family and provide them a moment of joy.
The three divisions are:
Division A - "These players participate at an advanced to elite competitive level in adult leagues in top tiers and/or participated at a competitive level (D1-3) in college and beyond." Division B - "B players that participate at an advanced competitive level in adult leagues in higher tiers and/or participated in college (D3-club)." Division 3 - "Players that participate in adult league hockey at the lower tiers should join Division C. This designation is for players of all skills, some who have been playing for many years, others who have added hockey to their adults lives."
Each division will feature two teams that play each other throughout the 24 hours.
The event will kick off at 2 p.m. on April 18 with the games going until 2 p.m. the next day. Each group will paly games ranging from 25 minutes to 90 minutes, with seven hours of ice time per skater over the 24 hours.
Players will have access to locker rooms and player areas, plus meals, snacks and hydration stations, rest areas, on-site athletic trainers and more.
A 45-year-old man has been charged with two counts of assault after he allegedly struck a school safety officer and a principal with his vehicle at a Sterling Heights middle school.
Investigators say that Lemuel Young was blocking a bus lane at Donald L. Bemis Junior High School when the school safety officer approached his vehicle, asking him to move.
Authorities say that Young refused, striking the officer with his vehicle when he stepped in front of the vehicle.
The principal of the school was called to assist, also stepping in front of the vehicle. Young proceeded to strike the principal with his vehicle three times, according to the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office.
Young appeared in court last week and faces two counts of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, each a 4-year felony. Young's bond was set at $10,000 cash/surety only, no 10 percent. He has also been ordered not to contact the officer or the principal, not to enter the premises of the school, and not to possess a weapon.
Young is due back in court twice more later this month.
The conduct alleged in this case is shocking and completely unacceptable. Using a vehicle as a weapon is extraordinarily dangerous and will not be tolerated. My office is committed to holding offenders fully accountable and will pursue justice on behalf of victims and the public, said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido in a media release on the charges.
A 30-year-old woman is dead after crashing a car into the back of a semi truck tractor on Saturday evening, according to the Sterling Heights Police Department.
The crash happened around 11:45 p.m. on Mound Road and Sterling Drive South.
Investigators say that the woman, driving a dark-colored Chevrolet Malibu, was heading north on Mound before crashing into the back of the semi truck tractor that was stopped at a red light. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police tell us there was no one else inside the Malibu, and the driver of the semi truck tractor was not injured.
Anyone who may have witnessed this crash is asked to call Officer Elliot with the Traffic Safety Bureau at (586)446-2920 with any information.
A 25-year-old man is facing charges for an alleged Molotov cocktail attack on a Brighton Township home related to the ongoing stalking and harassment of a child, officials say.
Watch Randy Wimbley's video report: Man facing charges for alleged Molotov cocktail attack on Brighton Twp. home
The Livingston County Sheriffs Office says deputies responded to Burson Drive on November 28 around 9:30 p.m. on reports of multiple Molotov cocktails thrown at a home, causing fires in the neighborhood.
Watch surveillance video of the fire in the player below: Surveillance video captures the fire in the neighborhood
Officials say neighbors worked quickly to help put out the flames. According to the sheriffs office, there was damage to the road and the victims property.
"There was a lot of fire right in front of this house in the street here," said Levi Vincent, a resident who lives nearby.
Alex Buley-Neumar of Mount Pleasant was identified as the suspect in the case, and he was arrested on November 29.
Investigators believe the incident was related to an ongoing stalking and harassment case connected to a child over social media.
Buley-Neumar was arraigned on December 1 on the following charges:
Manufacturer / Possess Molotov Cocktail causing damage; Stalking a minor - aggravated; Using a computer to commit a crime; and Accosting a child for immoral purposes
The sheriff's office said they anticipate additional charges will be filed.
The suspect was given a $1 million cash/surety bond and remains in the Livingston County Jail. He is due back in court next week.
Michigan State University announced on Friday a $401 million donation from Greg and Dawn Williams, the largest single commitment in the universitys history.
Watch Alex Crescenti's video report: MSU announces historic $401M donation from Greg and Dawn Williams
"The commitment that Greg and Dawn are making represents an extraordinary act of generosity and belief in Michigan State University's future," said MSU President Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D., in a statement. "We are deeply grateful for this historic commitment, which will strengthen our academic mission and support our student-athletes in meaningful, lasting ways. Their investment in both the university and the future of Spartan Athletics reflects a bold, shared vision for excellence and innovation. This moment will have a profound impact on generations of Spartans, and we are honored by their confidence in MSU."
About $290 million of the donation is in support of MSU Athletics FOR SPARTA initiative, according to the university. The university recently announced a $1 billion initiative called FOR SPARTA to elevate athletic facilities, including a re-imagined Spartan Stadium.
Watch Greg Williams speak in the video player below: Michigan State University announces historic $401M donation from Greg and Dawn Williams
The Williams family is also investing $100 million in an entity which will be formed by Spartan Ventures. Spartan Ventures will reportedly serve as the revenue, innovation, and development arm of MSU Athletics.
The MSU president called the investment a transformational moment.
"This commitment reflects our belief that we should give back to our community and to the place we call home. MSU is not only the face of our community, but the health and well-being of East Lansing depend on a thriving and successful MSU. In this regard, we're proud and blessed to be in a position to support MSU's leadership and its ambitious vision for the future," said Greg and Dawn Williams in a statement. "Some of our family's fondest and most bonding memories revolve around MSU athletics, so these funds are well placed in supporting an institution that contributed so meaningfully to our lives."
MSU men's basketball head coach Tom Izzo also expressed his gratitude: "They are truly difference makers whose support will benefit Spartans competing at elite levels for years and years to come. I talk to my players all the time about leaving their mark in history. With their commitment, Dawn and Greg are leaving a legacy that is truly unmatched. It's hard for me to comprehend the magnitude of their generosity, but I'm not surprised. Their love and affection for Michigan State run deep, and when they see something they believe in, they jump all-in.
A ground delay has now been lifted for Delta flights at Detroit Metro Airport following a network outage and ground stop this morning.
Watch Simon Shaykhet's video report on the aftermath: Ground delay now lifted for Delta flights at DTW following network outage
A ground stop was issued early Friday, with crowds filling the McNamara Terminal waiting for updates.
"We got here at 5:10. She walked around at 5:45 just saying that everything's out, not really like specification. I doubt that she had anything to do with it or knew anything, but I still don't really know anything for sure," said Dravon Rogers early Friday, who has plans to travel to Tampa.
Watch Ryan Marshall's story in the video player below: Delta flights grounded at Detroit Metro Airport
DTW has issued the following statement:
"Delta Air Lines has resolved a connectivity issue that impacted operations at the McNamara Terminal Friday morning. Operations are beginning to return to normal.Delta has issued a waiver [delta.com] for customers traveling to, from or through DTW on Dec. 5 and 6.This situation was specific to Delta and did not impact other airlines at DTW.The Wayne County Airport Authority team is in the McNamara Terminal distributing concession vouchers to affected passengers. We remain committed to supporting our customers during this time.Delta recommends passengers check their flight status using the Fly Delta app or delta.com [delta.com] before heading to the airport."
Delta has issued the following statement:
"Delta flights are resuming at Detroit (DTW) following a connectivity issue this morning that has been resolved. Delta has issued a waiver [delta.com] to provide flexibility for customers traveling to, from or through DTW on Dec. 5 and 6. We apologize for the inconvenience to our customers and thank them for their patience as Delta teams work to safely return to normal operations. Customers should continue to monitor the status of their flight via the Fly Delta app and Delta.com, where they can also make adjustments to their itineraries."
The FAA has lifted the ground stop and ground delay.
This is a developing story, stay with WXYZ.com for updates.
The Detroit Zoo is celebrating new additions this holiday season: three healthy cubs.
Amirah, a 9-year-old African lioness, gave birth on Nov. 23 and Nov. 24, the zoo said. Zoo officials say Amirah is a first-time mom and has been calm, attentive and nurturing as shes been bonding closely with her babies in a cozy, quiet den.
Amirah had a fourth cub who did not survive after being born significantly later than the rest.
While this is a natural part of life for many wild species, we remain grateful that Amirah and her three cubs are doing well, the zoo said.
According to the zoo, African lions are endangered and at risk of extinction in some regions due to habitat loss, declining prey, disease and human-wildlife conflict.
Welcoming these cubs is not only heartwarming its a meaningful milestone in the Detroit Zoos commitment to conservation and the future of this iconic species, the zoo said.
Amirah and the cubs will stay in their den and out of public view as they continue to grow.
The rest of the pride dad Kalu and aunt Asha may or may not choose to spend time in their outdoor habitat during this period. We anticipate the cubs will be visible to guests in a few months, once theyre more mobile and ready to explore larger spaces, the zoo said.
A 40-year-old Detroit man is dead after being shot in the parking lot at a Southfield hotel over the weekend, according to the Southfield Police Department.
Watch Faraz Javed's video report: Man shot & killed at Radisson Hotel in Southfield
Police responded to the Radisson Hotel on Telegraph just before 3 a.m. on Sunday. Officials say officers found the man, who had been shot multiple times. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators believe this was a targeted shooting, and Southfield police is still searching for the suspect.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Southfield Police Department at (248)-796-5500 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP.
The Detroit Catholic Central Shamrocks beat the Detroit Cass Tech Technicians, 42-19, to win the Division 1 state final for the first time since 2009.
Watch highlights from the win below Detroit Catholic Central beats Cass Tech to win state title
Both teams were undefeated entering this one, with Catholic Central's Benny Eziuka sealing the win on a late pick-six. Cass Tech had won 23 straight games before DCC broke the streak at Ford Field on Sunday night.
After last night's win, DCC now has 11 state championships, which is tied for fifth-most in state history.
City officials and developers shared their vision on Monday for the redevelopment of a large portion of the former Packard Plant site in Detroit.
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, Detroit Mayor-elect Mary Sheffield, other city leaders and developers discussed their plans for a 28-acre portion of the site Monday morning. The Packard Plant once housed the world's largest auto factory.
Watch Darren Cunningham's video report: Plans for part of former Packard site include skate park, affordable housing
The redevelopment will reportedly include the reuse of a southern portion of the plant and a new 400,000-square-foot building for manufacturing. There will also be residential, commercial and community spaces.
"I made the decision we were not going to take down the frontage on Grand Boulevard ... the first institution built on the new Grand Boulevard was the Packard plant in 1903," said Duggan.
Watch the announcement below: City officials, developers announce plans for former Packard Plant site in Detroit
The site sits about two blocks from where Duggan says he was born.
"For a long time, Detroiters, they know the Packard Plant closed in 1956. It took us 10 years to knock down 45 of the 47 buildings, and now we're starting to develop the site. So, to have hundreds of jobs, and historic and cultural activities here, it's a great use, and I'm excited to see East Grand Boulevard activated again," Duggan said.
He said they made the decision to break the site into two portions, with developers Oren Goldberg and Mark Bennett taking the south side of the property for their vision.
The plans are what they refer to as Packard Park."
Renderings illustrate what's to come. As co-developer Bennett explains, it's mixing the new with the old.
"The key, the mayor said, we're preserving and that's the important thing, he said.
Built in 1903 by famed Architect Albert Kahn, one of the salvaged buildings will have 42 affordable housing units designed for people to live and work from home.
"They are going to take a historic site and create a destination right here on Grand Boulevard," Duggan said.
There's an emphasis on community engagement with this project.
"There's going to be Detroit's first indoor skate park, and there's going to be several museum-type of activity. So, it's really a cultural destination, Bennett said. Outside, this open area here is gonna be sort of an open amphitheater space with meeting space sort of a community gathering space."
Adjacent to that will be a new manufacturing facility on 393,000 square feet designed for 300 permanent jobs. As for who's going to move into the space, that hasn't been determined yet.
However, Bennett said the team is in place to make this vision happen.
"This site is unique to the whole city because of the nature of the Packard Plant and Albert Kahn legacy. This is an internationally recognized development. So, we expect the cultural activities here will draw in people internationally. So, this will be a tourist draw for people to come and visit the old buildings and learn about the old buildings, he explained.
"It's really special beyond the neighborhood itself.
"It was exciting, resident Tara Moxley said.
She said thats the feeling she felt when learning new life would be brought to the site after witnessing decades of decay.
"For a long time, the residents over here, we all felt forgotten about and so now, to see that there is some development, there is some movement around here, ya know, it's starting to feel like we matter, Moxley told 7 News Detroit.
As president of 313 Packard Club, she said she's lived near the site since 1972. Its been an eyesore for as long as she can remember.
Previous story: Demolition phases of Detroit's Packard Plant As phase 2 starts most of the Packard Plant expected to be demolished by end of 2024
"Four-hundred-thousand square feet of new class A industrial space with 300 new jobs. This building right behind us is 116,000 square feet, which will be completely redeveloped, adding 2 acres of outdoor recreation for our neighbors and the broader community, and 42 make-live affordable housing units," Bennett said.
Developers anticipate this project will be finished by 2029.
The Detroit Zoo announced the passing of beloved Bactrian camel Tula on Wednesday.
According to a post on the Detroit Zoos Facebook page, the 6-year-old camel passed away on November 24 following a decline in her health in recent weeks.
The Zoo said the animal care teams helped to support Tula for more than a year with a degenerative ligament condition that impacted her mobility. According to the Zoo, Tula had responded well to treatment up until recently; they decided to euthanize her after her stability and comfort had declined.
Tula was deeply loved by those who cared for her and by many guests who visited her over the years. She will be profoundly missed. Please keep the animal care staff in your thoughts as they continue supporting the rest of the camel herd with the same dedication and compassion, the Zoo wrote on Facebook.
Tula was born at the Detroit Zoo in 2019 and was described as having a bold personality and sharp intelligence.
A 37-year-old man was shot and killed by Trenton police officers early Wednesday morning, after the suspect allegedly shot a security guard in another city.
Watch Darren Cunningham's video report below: Man killed by police allegedly shot security guard, pulled gun on officers, police say
Officials say the shooting happened at the Bristol Hills Apartment complex, which is on Van Horn Rd., just west of Fort St., around 2:45 a.m.
The incident originally started at Bogart's Lounge in Inkster, according to police, where the suspect had been asked to leave the strip club.
The suspect's mother identifies him as Julias Jones.
Inkster police say Jones got into a argument with the security guard. Once Jones was in his vehicle, he reportedly turned his vehicle around, rolled his passenger window down, and said something to the guard. As the guard walked towards the vehicle, Jones alleged fired one shot which hit the security guard in the abdomen.
A search was started for the suspect, and police say his phone pinged in Trenton.
Trenton police responded and located the suspect, who allegedly pulled out a gun. Officers fired, hitting and killing the suspect.
We're told the security guard is in critical condition, and Michigan State Police is investigating the officer-involved shooting.
We spoke to the victim's mother, who asked not to be identified. She said the shooting happened right outside of her apartment.
I knew my son was carrying a gun. But, thats because his life was threatened by somebody who had already shot and tried to kill him in 2020," she said.
His mother added, "Right now I'm just trying to figure out how I'm going to bury my son when the time comes."
A Texas man charged after allegedly killing two men at Star Auto Sales in Shelby Township earlier this month will receive a mental health evaluation to determine if he is competent to stand trial, the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office tells us.
Watch our previous coverage Suspect in Shelby Township double homicide faces 13 felony charges over $3,000 car dispute
Jermaine Sandles appeared in court virtually on Monday morning. Police say Sandles shot and killed the shop's owner, 40-year-old Marvan Batoo, and a customer, 48-year-old Ghaith Baban.
The victim's families told 7 News Detroit previously that the suspect was upset over rust he found on a Hummer he purchased two months ago.
Sandles is facing the following charges:
Two Counts: Homicide Murder First Degree Premeditated, a life without parole felony Two Counts: Armed Robbery, a life or any term of years felony One Count: Weapons Firearms Possession by a Prohibited Person, a 5-year felony One Count: Weapons Ammunition Possession by a Prohibited Person, a 5-year felony One Count: Weapons Carrying Concealed, a 5-year felony Six Counts: Weapons - Felony Firearm, each a 2-year felony, consecutive to main charges Sandles also has a Habitual Offender - Fourth Offense Notice, an aggravating sentencing factor.
Sandles is being held without bond and is in custody at the Macomb County Jail. A probable cause hearing date will be set to review the evaluation results and status of the case.
"Mental health evaluations are a necessary step in the criminal justice process. They allow us to determine whether a defendant is competent to stand trial and ensure that any prosecution proceeds in a manner that is legally sound," said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido via press release.
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