Multiple vehicles had items stolen from them during the same stretch of time last week in Troy, including four on the same block, police said.

Four larcenies from auto in the 2700 block of Dashwood Street reportedly happened sometime between 5:30 p.m. on Jan. 15 and 10:40 a.m. on Jan. 16, police said.

One victim said the unlocked vehicle was entered and shopping bags containing clothing were stolen. Another victim reported a window on the vehicle was broken out and the thief took a purse containing $300, credit cards and personal papers. Another reported a window was broken out and four pairs of shoes, two shirts and a blanket were stolen,  and the other victim reported a window was broken out and a bag was stolen, police said.

So far, no suspects — according to Troy Police Lt. Ben Hancock.

Another larceny reportedly occurred sometime between 4 p.m. on Jan. 15 and 6:40 a.m. on Jan. 16 in the 2600 block of Lovington Drive, police said. In that incident, the victim reported a backpack containing a Chromebook laptop was stolen from the vehicle, police said.

Hancock reminds residents to not leave any valuables in vehicles overnight.

“Items left in plain sight overnight inside your vehicle increases your chance of being a victim of a larceny from your vehicle,” Hancock said. “Everyone should also double check their car is locked if parked in their driveway or the street as we are seeing a lot of vehicles are left unlocked.”

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Redford man jailed for alleged human trafficking of 2 women in Oakland County

A 61-year-old Redford man is facing 10 felony charges for alleged human trafficking and related crimes involving women from Oakland and Macomb counties.

Damon Keith Napier, held in the Oakland County Jail, is charged with:

• Two counts each of human trafficking enterprise resulting in injury, transporting a person for the purpose of prostitution, and accepting earnings from prostitution
• Three counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct
• One count of pandering.

The alleged victims are 31-year-old women — one from Southfield and the other from Warren.

Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard said Napier’s arrest is the first arrest for the Oakland County Human Trafficking Task Force, calling it “the maiden voyage of success.”

Bouchard, speaking at a news conference Thursday afternoon, declined to give details on Napier’s case, but said “the information came from bread crumbs from other stuff” and had been under investigation for quite some time.

“Obviously, it was a horrendous position these ladies were in,” Bouchard said. “We’re super glad to be holding (Napier) accountable for that behavior.”

Bouchard, along with David Williams, chief assistant prosecutor at the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office, said it’s believed there are more victims that can be connected to Napier. They urge anyone else who may have been victimized by Napier, or knows someone who has been, to contact the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office or their local police department.

“We understand the fear of coming forward,” Bouchard said. “Know we’re your advocates (and Napier) is behind bars. “

Napier has an extensive criminal history, including convictions for kidnapping, illegal drugs and more in California, Bouchard said. His current cases are being adjudicated in Southfield’s 46th District Court and Hazel Park’s 43rd District Court. Bond is set at $500,000 in both cases.

Napier’s next court appearance is scheduled for Jan. 28.

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Preliminary examinations are scheduled for two Pontiac teenage brothers who allegedly shot a man last month in an attempt to kill him.

Kentrell Norton, 18, and Terrell Norton, 19, are each charged with 11 crimes: multiple counts of assault with intent to murder and possession of a firearm in the commission of a felony, as well as discharging a firearm in a building causing injury and carrying a concealed weapon. At their preliminary exams, scheduled for March 7 in 50th District Court, Judge Jeremy Bowie will be presented with evidence and then determine if probable cause was established to advance the cases to Oakland County Circuit Court for possible trial.

According to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, the shooting happened in the 700 block of Auburn Avenue in Pontiac on Dec. 12, 2024. The victim, a 29-year-old Pontiac man, suffered a bullet wound to his side.

“Detectives found a large crime scene in the parking lot of an apartment complex with multiple shell casings, multiple struck vehicles and multiple struck apartments,” the sheriff’s office stated in a news release.

Terrell Norton was arrested Jan. 9 at a home on South Sanford Street in Pontiac. Kentrell Norton was arrested Jan. 10 after a brief foot chase by members of the sheriff’s Fugitive Apprehension Team in an Orion Township mobile home park, the sheriff’s office said.

After Kentrell Norton’s arrest, detectives executed a search warrant and discovered a Polymer 80 handgun with no serial number believed to have been used in the shooting, the sheriff’s office said.

Ammunition and clothing believed to have been worn during the shooting were found in the Sanford Street residence, the sheriff’s office said.

The Norton brothers are held in the Oakland County Jail. Bond is denied for Kentrell Norton; Terrell Norton’s bond is $250,000.

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Prosecutor: Detroiter accused of raping woman, biting off part of her ear, assaultng her kids at Oakland County motel

Preliminary exam pushed out to March for felon accused of murdering psychologist on Christmas Eve

A Detroiter is facing charges of rape, strangulation, child abuse and more for an alleged attack of a woman and her kids at a Royal Oak Township motel.

He reportedly bit off part of the woman’s ear in the attack, officials said.

Jacob Macklis, 23, is charged with first-degree criminal sexual conduct, assault with intent to main, assault by strangulation, felonious assault, two counts of third-degree child abuse and domestic violence for an incident last week at the American Inn and Suites in Royal Oak Township.

“The level of violence in this case is shocking,” said Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald. “My heart goes out to this woman and her children for what they had to endure. My office will pursue the maximum charges against this defendant because his victims deserve justice.”

According to the prosecutor’s office, Michigan State Police troopers responded to the motel on Jan. 18 on reports of a woman and children screaming for help. When they arrived, they reportedly saw Macklis holding a 35-year-old woman by her hair and then punching her in the face, the prosecutor’s office said.

Macklis is also accused of sexually assaulting the woman and physically assaulting her two minor children.

The domestic violence charge asserts the woman “is a resident or former resident” of Macklis’ household and/or had a dating relationship with him.

Macklis, booked into the Oakland County Jail on Jan. 18, faces up to life in prison if convicted of the CSC charge and up to 10 years for the assault charges. Third-degree child abuse is punishable by up to two years in prison, and the domestic violence charge is a misdemeanor with a maximum penalty of 93 days in jail.

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Preliminary exam pushed out to March for felon accused of murdering psychologist on Christmas Eve

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The preliminary exam for a felon accused of killing an Oxford Township woman who had stopped to help him after a car crash on Christmas Eve has been postponed from its January date to March.

Malik Webb, 29, is charged with felony murder for the slaying of clinical psychologist Barbara Wolf, and 18 other crimes including carjacking, assault with intent to murder and multiple firearms offenses for the Dec. 24 incident on Ray Road near Oxford High School.

Webb allegedly shot Wolf multiple times and two others — Wolf’s daughter and a 56-year-old Oxford man who had also stopped to assist Webb following the crash. Wolf died at an area hospital.

Webb has a lengthy criminal history and was released from prison last July 1 after serving nearly six years for various weapons-related offenses. Had he served his maximum sentence of 7 years and six months — with jail credit of 62 days — he’d still be in prison.

Webb’s preliminary exam was pushed out two months during a court hearing Tuesday. At the preliminary exam, now scheduled for March 28 in 52-3 District Court, Judge Nancy Carniak will hear evidence then decide if probable cause is established to advance the case to Oakland County Circuit Court for possible trial.

Wolf, according to her obituary, was the married mother of three and grandmother of five.

The obituary states, in part: “Dr. Wolf served as the Corporate Director of Behavioral Health Education and Physician Wellness in the Division of Academic Medicine at McLaren Health Care. She was also an Associate Professor for Michigan State College of Human and Osteopathic Medicine in the Departments of Family Medicine and Psychiatry. ”

The obituary further states: “Barbara’s life was a testament to her unwavering dedication to her family, her profession, and the countless lives she touched with her expertise and compassion. Even though she is gone, she lives on within each of us.”

Webb is held in the Oakland County Jail.

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A felon on parole for an armed robbery conviction is accused of taking thousands of stolen dollars from an acquaintance and then shooting him, officials said.

The felon, Jamarieai Burns, 30, of Pontiac, faces charges of assault with intent to murder, armed robbery, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, and three counts of felony firearm. The acquaintance who was shot and allegedly robbed, Arthur Crayton, 25, of Pontiac, is charged with larceny of a building.

According to the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office, it all unfolded on Jan. 10 when Crayton allegedly robbed a co-worker of $12,000 in Pontiac, then contacted Burns for a ride. Burns showed up, allegedly took approximately $4,000 of the stolen money from Crayton and then allegedly shot him in the hip.

“The victim will be prosecuted for his own alleged crimes, but those crimes don’t justify what happened to him,” Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald  stated in a news release. “Jamarieai Burns is a repeat offender. We intend to prosecute him to the fullest extent of the law. Every victim in this case is entitled to justice.”

Assault with intent to murder is punishable by up to life in prison. Larceny in a building carries a penalty of up to four years in prison.

The Oakland County Jail roster lists Burns as in custody as of Jan. 12. Crayton was booked into the jail on Jan. 11 and released three days later.

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Attorney General Dana Nessel has announced charges against four more people — Detroiters — allegedly connected to an auto theft operating in southeast Michigan.

The criminal organization is accused of stealing hundreds of vehicles from the region, targeting car dealerships and storage lots, parking lots and residences — then selling them on the black market at prices significantly below market value to buyers seeking unregistered vehicles, the AG’s Office stated in a news release. The stolen vehicles have reportedly been linked to other criminal activity.

The most recent arrests of the four Detroiters stem from an ongoing investigation by the Troy Police Department in partnership with FORCE (Focused Organized Retail Crime Enforcement). FORCE, established two years ago, includes multiple local law enforcement groups, special agents with the AG’s office, Michigan State Police, the FBI, Postal Inspection Service and retailers.

The AG’s office announced the FORCE Team investigation into an alleged auto theft ring in May 2024. Troy police have reportedly been investigating the crime ring since August 2023.

The four Detroiters, charged with conducting a criminal enterprise:

• Davonta Jones, 31 — also charged with eight counts of receiving and concealing a stolen motor vehicle
• Donovan Tucker, 22 — also charged with eight counts of receiving and concealing a stolen motor vehicle
• Davion Tucker, 21 — also charged with seven counts of receiving and concealing a stolen motor vehicle
• Timothy Bell, 23 — also charged with 10 counts of receiving and concealing a stolen motor vehicle

The four defendants are allegedly responsible for auto thefts on more than a dozen occasions in 2024, according to the AG’s Office. The crime ring “is suspected of using countersurveillance to steal vehicles quickly and efficiently, allegedly using violence and ramming security vehicles if confronted,” the AG’s Office stated.

Troy police, Detroit police and Michigan State Police executed four arrest warrants on Jan. 2, resulting in the arrests. A “large quantity of electronic key fobs and cash” were seized, according to the AG’s Office.

Jones, Donovan Tucker and Davion Tucker were arraigned Jan. 3 in Dearbor’s 19th District Court, where bond was set at $500,000 cash/surety. They’re scheduled for a probable cause conference Jan. 17. Bell was arraigned Jan. 3 in Monroe’s 1st District Court where bond was set at $500,000 cash/surety. He’s scheduled for a probable cause conference Jan.14.

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Three vehicles caught fire Tuesday morning following a multi-car collision in Farmington Hills.

No injuries were reported.

Officials say Farmington Hills Fire Department personnel responded to the scene along eastbound I-696 at around 7:30 a.m. to find a three-vehicle crash. All the cars were on fire.

MSP troopers also responded to the scene.

The Oakland Press is working to obtain more information on the cause of the crash and drivers involved.

The roadway was shut down while fire department personnel extinguished the flames.

Cleanup continued as of 8:45 a.m., with one lane open. The freeway is expected to reopen fully as soon as possible.

Officials remind drivers to slow down and move over for emergency vehicles working on the roadway.

The Oakland Press will update this story if more information becomes available.

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The felon accused of killing an Oxford Township woman who had stopped to help him after a car crash is expected to return to court next week.

Malik Webb, 29, is charged with felony murder for the slaying of clinical psychologist Barbara Wolf, and 18 other crimes including carjacking, assault with intent to murder and multiple firearms offenses for the Christmas Eve incident on Ray Road near Oxford High School. He’s scheduled for a probable cause conference on Jan. 6 before 52-3 District Judge Nancy Carniak, followed by a preliminary exam one week later.

Webb allegedly shot Wolf multiple times and two others — Wolf’s daughter and a 56-year-old Oxford man who had also stopped to assist Webb following the crash. Wolf died at an area hospital.

Webb is held in the Oakland County Jail.

At the preliminary exam, the judge will be presented with evidence and then determine if probable cause exists for the case to advance to Oakland County Circuit Court for possible trial.

Webb, who has a lengthy criminal history, was released from prison last July 1 after serving nearly six years for various weapons-related offenses.

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More than a week has passed since a Madison Heights man died after being found unresponsive lying on the ground with blunt force trauma to the head, but the manner and cause of his death haven’t been determined, officials said Thursday.

According to the Oakland County Medical Examiner’s Office, the death of Robert Cavanaugh was “still under investigation” as of mid-morning Jan. 2. Police have said they believe 68-year-old Rodney Beasley, also of Madison Heights, is responsible for Cavanaugh’s death — but no homicide charge has been filed. So far, Beasley has only been charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for the Dec. 24, 2024 incident.

A GoFundMe account organized by Cavanaugh’s sister states that the attack happened when Cavanaugh tried to intervene after seeing a man beating a dog. As stated on the fundraiser page, Cavanaugh spotted the assault on the animal while riding his bike through the neighborhood, and when he tried to save the dog he  “was beaten to death with a pipe.”

Donations collected through the GoFundMe account were for Cavanaugh’s funeral expenses, and anything left over will be given to animal rescue organizations, it states.

To make a pledge, go to https://www.gofundme.com/f/remembering-bobbys-brave-sacrifice.

As previously reported, Det. Lt. David Koehler of the Madison Heights Police Department’s most recent news release on the incident, issued Dec. 27, 2024, stated that once more information is obtained the case will be presented to the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office for updated charges. Information on any new charges will be released if they are authorized, he stated.

Beasley’s next court date for the assault charge is scheduled for Jan. 8 for a probable cause conference before 43rd District Judge Keith Hunt. Beasley is in the Oakland County Jail, with bond set at $100,000.

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Felony charges have advanced against a Farmington Hills man who reportedly barricaded for hours in a home while armed with a sword.

Brandon Mayfield, 41, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, ethnic intimidation and resisting/obstructing a police officer for the alleged Aug. 15 incident. The case was bound over to Oakland County Circuit Court this week for possible trial following a preliminary exam in 47th District Court.

Mayfield reportedly kept police at bay while holding a sword following an alleged altercation with a neighbor at an apartment building on Nine Mile Road. Ultimately, a SWAT team was called to the scene to assist Farmington Hills officers, and resorted to deploying a chemical agent which resulted in Mayfield’s peaceful surrender, police said.

According to police, the 28-year-old victim said he was confronted by Mayfield – who was reportedly armed with a knife and using racial slurs — after exiting a vehicle in the driveway of a neighboring house. While on the phone to police, the alleged victim reportedly heard a loud pop from Mayfield’s direction, which he believed was a gunshot. At that point, Mayfield was allegedly yelling racial slurs from outside his residence.

After Mayfield surrendered, a police search of his residence reportedly turned up numerous knives, swords, a rifle and a spent shell casing.

Arraignment for Mayfield is scheduled for Jan. 27, 2025 before Judge David Cohen. For now, he’s out on bond.

Report: Man allegedly found with vast amount of child porn incompetent for trial

A 66-year-old Bloomfield Township man accused of possessing a vast amount of child pornography has been determined to be not competent to stand trial.

Kenneth Roger Davies underwent court-ordered forensic evaluation after police searched his home last year and found a flash drive “with hundreds, if not thousands” of images containing child sexually abusive material, according to the Bloomfield Township Police Department. A report that he may be in possession of child pornography prompted the search, police said.

Davies was charged with six felony counts of aggravated possession of child sexually abusive material, and Oakland County Circuit Judge David Cohen subsequently ordered psychiatric testing for him.

The order regarding Davies’ incompetency was filed Dec. 17, his court record shows.

A defendant can be found to be incompetent to stand trial if a mental condition prevents him from understanding the charges and court procedures, and from rationally assisting in his defense. The defendant can face the charges at a later date if competency is restored.