A 76-year-old man was arraigned Tuesday morning on multiple charges in connection with the non-fatal shootings of a woman and man in West Bloomfield last Saturday.

At arraignment before 48th District Judge Diane D’Agostini, bond was set at $3 million for Fawzi George Kased of West Bloomfield, charged with two counts of assault with intent to murder, discharging a firearm in or at a building, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and four counts of felony firearms.

Assault with intent to murder carries the highest penalty, up to life in prison.

The victims are reportedly recovering from their injuries. The shootings were targeted and not random, according to West Bloomfield Police Chief Dale Young.

Police spotted the suspect — later identified as Kased — while he was driving. He was pulled over and exited the car while holding a rifle, but dropped it when ordered to by officers, police said.

As previously reported, the case unfolded shortly before 9 a.m. when a resident of the Thornberry Apartments — near Maple and Farmington roads — contacted police and said another resident of the apartment complex tried unsuccessfully to force their way in the apartment with an object that looked like a stick. A few minutes later as officers began searching the area for the suspect, police received another call from someone who identified themselves as a family member of an employee at the Maple View liquor store on Maple Road just east of Farmington Road, reporting that the employee had been shot and was driving himself to the hospital. While officers were enroute to the hospital, additional calls came in from residents of the Thornberry Apartment complex, reporting gunshots in the area.

Kased’s next court appearance is scheduled for March 5 for a probable cause conference. A preliminary exam is scheduled for a week later, both to be held before Judge Marc Barron.

The Oakland Press has reached out to police for additional information, including the possible connection between the victims and Kased, and what may have prompted the shootings. Continued coverage of the case is planned.

A Troy woman is facing a charge of first-degree child abuse after a 13-month old child suffered serious brain damage, allegedly while in her care, officials said.

An arraignment is pending for Swapna Hari, 44. The complaint was filed on Feb. 24 in 52-4 District Court for the alleged Sept. 3, 2025 incident.

The crime is punishable by up to life in prison.

According to the prosecutor’s office, Hari claimed the infant fell backward while eating and started choking. The infant was hospitalized with severe head trauma and brain damage.

The prosecutor’s office said the injuries suffered are inconsistent with a backward fall or choking.

“In a single moment, this healthy and happy 13-month-old child suffered a life-changing injury, allegedly at the hands of this defendant,” Prosecutor Karen McDonald stated in a news release.  “Our office sees too many cases of childhood brain injuries caused by abusers. These are physical injuries that often never heal completely. It’s heartbreaking and horrifying to learn a caregiver would harm a child instead of protecting them.”

The Oakland Press will report further on this case as additional information becomes available.

Sheriff: Sex customer reports being robbed; 2 now facing charges of human trafficking, prostitution at Southfield hotel

The case against a Royal Oak man accused of fatally shooting a maintenance worker outside an apartment complex was bound over Friday to Oakland County Circuit Court for possible trial.

The alleged killer, Nathaniel Rockwell, 33, faces charges of first-degree premeditated murder and three firearms-related crimes in connection with the July 31, 2025 fatal shooting of Gregory Hill, 65, of Southfield. The case was advanced after Rockwell waived his right to a preliminary exam in 44th District Court.

According to the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office, prior to the shooting, Rockwell — a tenant at the Devon Park apartment complex — received an eviction notice due to multiple incidents with firearms. He allegedly confronted building management and another tenant who had reported him, got into an argument and then retrieved a gun from his vehicle and began firing at Hill. Hill was shot approximately 11 times at close range, the prosecutor’s office said.

Hill was working at the time of the shooting, the prosecutor’s office said.

As stated in his obituary, Hill was a General Motors retiree who continued working as a part-time maintenance worker at apartment complexes. “Known as everyone’s mechanic and go-to handyman, Gregory’s hard working spirit and skillful hands touched the lives of many….Those who knew him will remember his discipline, unwavering consideration for others, and steadfast reliability — qualities that defined his life. He was deeply loving and dependable, connecting effortlessly with both pets and babies, who were always drawn to his warmth,” the obituary states.

Hill was married and had two daughters.

Rockwell is held in the Oakland County Jail, denied bond. Arraignment in the higher court is scheduled for March 2 before Judge Daniel O’Brien.

A Howell man who fatally shot a teen he’d been hanging out with in Oakland County last year will spend at least seven years in prison, as sentenced recently by Judge Yasmine Poles.

Tylaj Clark-Spencer, 21, pleaded no contest last December to charges of manslaughter, receiving and concealing a stolen firearm, and two counts of felony firearm in connection with the May 22, 2025 death of Derek Ayden Scholl, 18, of Troy. Poles handed Clark-Spencer a sentence of 75 months to 15 years for the manslaughter, a concurrent sentence of 31 months to 10 years for the stolen firearms charge, and an additional two years for the two felony firearm charges. Jail credit of 256 days was applied to the felony firearm sentence, reducing it by one year.

A no contest plea is not an admission of guilt but is treated as such for sentencing purposes. It can also offer some liability protection in civil cases.

According to the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office, the shooting happened when Clark-Spencer, Scholl and two others — Joshua Peel, 20, of Royal Oak, and a 17-year-old — were preparing to leave a Clawson apartment to attend a party. Clark-Spencer was carrying a gun and checking to see if it was loaded when the weapon fired, killing Scholl, the prosecutor’s office said. A few hours later, it’s alleged the 17-year-old hid the gun and other evidence for Clark-Spencer.

Officials said it appears the gun used in the shooting had been stolen from a safe belonging to the 17-year-old’s father.

Peel and the 17-year-old were charged with accessory after the fact to a felony. Peel pleaded guilty to the crime. No further information on those cases was available.

West Bloomfield male nanny accused of sex crimes against child; police say there could be other victims

Woman sentenced for animal cruelty; 37 dogs and cats rescued from Pontiac home in 2024

A 58-year-old West Bloomfield Township man who worked as a nanny is facing multiple sex crime charges involving a child left in his care, and officials believe he may have assaulted other victims not yet identified.

Michael Alan Bank is charged with three counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and two counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct following an investigation which included analysis of items seized when police searched his home in the 6800 block of Aeroview Street last month.

According to West Bloomfield police, they learned of the case when the Northfield Police Department contacted them on Jan. 8 about criminal sexual assault allegations involving a young child with ties to West Bloomfield Township. The alleged victim’s mother had hired Bank as a nanny through sittercity.com, and it was subsequently alleged that he repeatedly engaged in criminal sexual conduct with the child, who was under 13 years old at the time, police said.

Bank was arrested at his home on Jan. 15. Forensic analysis conducted on several electronic devices taken that day from Bank’s home led to the charges, police said. Detectives have since discovered “a multitude of evidence of children including what appeared to be Michael Bank with some of those children in various compromised positions and acts,” as stated in a news release from the West Bloomfield Police Department.

With the possibility of more victims in the case, anyone who knows of someone who may have been victimized by Bank is asked to call Detective Cherry at 248-975-8981.

Bank is held in the Oakland County Jail, denied bond. His next scheduled court appearance is a preliminary exam on March 3 before 48th District Judge Diane D’Agostini.

Woman sentenced for animal cruelty; 37 dogs and cats rescued from Pontiac home in 2024

A Waterford Township man is facing multiple felony charges for allegedly robbing two stores at knifepoint at Great Lakes Crossing Outlets on Tuesday, allegedly threatening police officers when they confronted him and then fleeing in his car.

Ryan David Kissel, 29, is charged with two counts of armed robbery, felonious assault, fleeing/eluding police-third degree, and two counts of assaulting/resisting/obstructing police in connection with the Jan. 27 incident.

According to the Auburn Hills Police Department, officers responded to the mall, located at 4000 Baldwin Road, at around 7:30 p.m. on Jan, 27 after receiving 911 calls about a man armed with a knife who had robbed two stores. Kissel reportedly threatened officers who approached him the parking lot, then got into his car and drove away.

As stated in a news release from the police department, “Officers pursued the suspect until it was deemed too dangerous to continue, and the pursuit was terminated.” A “Be On the Lookout” alert was sent out to area police agencies as an investigation continued, police said.

No injuries were reported in the alleged robberies, police said.

At approximately 9:30 p.m., on Jan. 27, Kissel was taken into custody at his home in Waterford. Charges were issued the next day. At Kissel’s arraignment on Jan. 29 in 52-3 District Court, Magistrate Marie Soma set bond at $250,000 with no 10% provision. If he posts bond, and is released from the Oakland County Jail, Kissel is to be monitored by electronic tether and prohibited from returning to Great Lakes Crossing Outlets.

Kissel’s next court appearance is scheduled for Feb. 12 for a probable cause conference followed by a preliminary exam a week later. Armed robbery is punishable by up to life in prison.

In the news release, the Auburn Hills Police Department acknowledged assistance from the mall’s security staff and the Waterford Police Department for “outstanding cooperation and professionalism.”

“Their timely communication, coordinated response and investigative assistance were instrumental in the safe identification and apprehension of the suspect. This incident highlights the importance of strong partnerships between private security and law enforcement agencies in protecting our community,” the news release stated..

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has additional information about it is asked to call the Auburn Hills Police Department at 248-370-9460.

Waterford Township’s Police Chief said it’s not known if alcohol or drug use was a factor when the driver of a Pontiac G6 crashed into a Rochester Community Schools bus carrying children on Saturday morning and then died.

Police Chief Scott Underwood declined to release the name of the driver, a 38-year-old White Lake Township man. He was killed when he crossed the center lane of Huron Road near Josephine Street in Waterford Township  — just west of Telegraph Road — and collided head-on with the school bus shortly before 8 a.m., Underwood said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

None of the children were seriously injured, but a teacher who was on the bus was transported to McLaren Oakland Hospital for treatment of injuries that weren’t life threatening, Underwood said.

The Oakland Press has reached out to Rochester Community Schools for more information but hasn’t heard back yet.

Killer’s wife tied to 2024 murder, robbery of Rochester Hills businessman; criminal charges filed

A police investigation continues into a Jan. 23 traffic crash on I-75 in Bloomfield Township that resulted in the death of one man and serious injuries to his son.

According to the Bloomfield Township Police Department, Paul Locklear, 45, of Davison died Friday at Trinity Health Oakland Hospital, where he had been transported with serious injuries from the single-vehicle rollover crash, which happened shortly before 10 a.m. near South Boulevard. The driver of the vehicle, the man’s 18-year-old son, was also transported to Trinity Health Oakland Hospital with serious injuries and is expected to survive.

The vehicle involved was a 1999 Ford F350, police said.

Bloomfield Township Police Sgt. Nick Soley said multiple witnesses have come forward as requested by police. While drugs and/or alcohol use don’t appear to be a contributing factor, toxicology is pending from a blood draw on the driver which was performed with his consent, Soley said.

‘Squatter’ pleads to drug charge

Pontiac teen charged in murder of Warren teen

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Cases advance against woman and son in London Thomas murder case

A Troy man who police described as a squatter was in Oakland County Circuit Court via Zoom on Monday where he pleaded guilty to a reduced charge involving drugs.

Devin Bushue, 35, faces up to a year in jail for one count of using a controlled substance. Prosecutors dismissed a charge of  possession of a controlled substance-methamphetamine/ecstasy — which carries a stiffer penalty.

Bushue was arrested Jan. 4 after police reportedly found him and a Shelby Township woman, Miranda Laight, 37, asleep in the basement of an apartment building in the 100 block of South Lovington Drive in Troy. Officers discovered the two while responding to a trespassing complaint, and after waking them up spotted suspected methamphetamine and a used syringe near where they had been sleeping, police said.

After Bushue and Laight were arrested, officers searched their belongings and allegedly found a small Ziploc baggie containing methamphetamine in Bushue’s bag and a syringe containing heroin in Laight’s bag.

Bushue is scheduled to be sentenced on March 2 by Judge David Cohen.

The case against Laight is still at the district court level. A preliminary exam is scheduled for Jan. 29.

Bushue and Laight are held in the Oakland County Jail with bond set at $7,500 for Bushue and $5,000 for Laight. The bonds have a 10% provision, meaning  Bushue can be released from custody if he posts $750, and Laight can be released from custody if she posts $500.

Cases advance against woman and son in London Thomas murder case

Pontiac teen charged in murder of Warren teen

Police seek public’s help to ID tire thieves

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A Pontiac teen is facing charges of second-degree murder and other felonies in connection with the fatal shooting of a Warren teen earlier this month.

Kqualin Isaac Douglas, 19, turned himself in to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office on Monday and then arraigned in Pontiac’s 50th District Court on the murder charge as well as tampering with evidence, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and using a gun in the commission of a felony — also known as felony firearm. Shot dead was 19-year-old Cornelius Traves Murphy Jr., whose body was discovered on Jan. 8 near a home in the 100 block of North Jessie Street; a caller had reported seeing a man lying in a field and not breathing, the sheriff’s office said.

Investigators said the shooting happened Jan. 7.

Murphy suffered a gunshot wound to the chest, the sheriff’s office said.

“I am proud of our team that began an investigation with nothing and through their diligence and professionalism were able to not only identify a suspect, but gather enough evidence that charges could be brought,” Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard stated in a news release. “We look forward to the justice system moving forward on this case on behalf of the victim, his family and the community.”

Douglas is held in the Oakland County Jail with bond set at $300,000.

Cases advance against woman and son in London Thomas murder case

Police seek public’s help to ID tire thieves

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The Bloomfield Township Police Department is seeking the public’s help in identifying the thieves who recently stole eight tires from a business on Telegraph Road.

Police said the theft happened on Jan. 17 at around 6:45 a.m. at Detail Express, located at 1751 S. Telegraph Rd. Video surveillance shows two sets of tires, listed for sale, were stolen from the back of the property by two people who loaded them into the cab of a red Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck that had driven through a gate onto the property, police said.

The truck left the property approximately three minutes after arriving, police said.

As an investigation continues, anyone who can identify the suspects or the truck’s owner, or has additional information on the incident, is asked to call the Bloomfield Township’s investigation unit at 248-433-7762.

Cases advance against woman and son in London Thomas murder case

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The cases against an Oakland County woman and her son, accused of murdering the son’s former teenage girlfriend, are bound over to Wayne County’s 3rd Judicial Circuit Court for possible trial.

At the conclusion of a recent preliminary exam in Inkster’s 22nd District Court, the judge advanced the cases against Charla Pendergrass, 49, of Clawson and Jalen Pendergrass, 24, of Inkster — each charged with second-degree murder and tampering with evidence in connection with the death of London Thomas, 17, last year.

The body of the Detroit teen was found stuffed inside a container in an SUV parked in Southfield.

According to the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office, London’s mother had reported her missing on April 6, 2025 because she didn’t return home after being dropped off the day before at Jalen Pendergrass’s house. London had been in a relationship with Jalen Pendergrass, but it allegedly ended at the time she arrived at his house, the prosecutor’s office stated.

Three weeks after London was dropped off at Jalen Pendergrass’s house, a male friend of Charla Pendergrass told Inkster police she had asked him to transport a sealed plastic bin to an SUV parked on Millard Street in Southfield, which he did, the prosecutor’s office stated. The contents were reportedly unknown to him.

Michigan State Police, along with the FBI and the Detroit Police Department, conducted a search at the Millard Street address and found London’s remains inside the bin, the prosecutor’s office stated.

Charla Pendergrass and Jalen Pendergrass are held in the Wayne County Jail. Arraignment is scheduled for Jan. 30.

Oakland County weed entrepreneur creates ‘CannaBiz Rescue’ reality show to help save struggling dispensaries in US

For the second time this week, a traffic crash in Commerce Township resulted in serious injuries.

The more recent collision happened shortly after 11 a.m. Friday on West Pontiac Trail near Huntley Drive involving a 2022 Tesla and a 2010 Honda Odyssey, according to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office.

A preliminary investigation indicates that the Tesla driver, a 24-year-old Dearborn resident, crossed the center yellow line and crashed into the Honda, driven by a 73-year-old Walled Lake resident, the sheriff’s office said. Both drivers were transported to Henry Ford Providence Novi Hospital where the Walled Lake resident was listed in critical condition and the Dearborn resident was in stable condition as of mid-afternoon Friday, the sheriff’s office said..

Both drivers had been wearing their seatbelts at the time, the sheriff’s office said.

While an investigation continues, alcohol and/or drug use aren’t suspected as contributing factors, and speed doesn’t appear to have been an issue in the crash, the sheriff’s office said.

The crash happened three days after another involving a passenger vehicle and semi-truck in Commerce Township caused injuries to an 87-year-old man who was pinned inside his car, officials said.

According to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, the elderly man was operating a Chevrolet Malibu on Dec. 30 when he struck the rear of a semi-truck trailer as it was entering eastbound Pontiac Trail near Haggerty Road from the Walmart Supercenter parking lot at around 7:15 a.m. He became trapped inside the Malibu but was subsequently extricated by a crew from the Commerce Township Fire Department.

He was transported to Henry Ford Providence Novi Hospital and evaluated for injuries believed to be minor, the sheriff’s office said. No other injuries were reported.

The semi-truck driver was issued a citation in connection with the crash.

Wixom man, 75, left unconscious in roadway after Door Dasher allegedly punches him

A 75-year-old Wixom man was left unconscious in the roadway after an alleged assault by a Door Dash driver on Dec. 28, officials said.

According to the Wixom Police Department, the victim, Lloyd Poole, was hospitalized in serious condition following the attack in the area of Barberry Circle and Windingway Drive in the Hidden Creek subdivision. The alleged assailant, Ryan Daniel Turner, 40, of Wixom reportedly admitted to striking Poole with a closed fist, claiming he had felt threatened after Poole confronted him about speeding, police said.

Poole fell and hit his head on the roadway after being struck, police said, and Turner drove away, leaving him there.

Turner subsequently came to the Wixom police station and spoke with officers about the incident. Charged with misdemeanor aggravated assault, he was booked into the Oakland County Jail on Dec. 29 and released three days later after posting a $3,500 bond — 10% of the $35,000 bond set at his arraignment. His next court appearance is pending.

A 39-year-old man is facing criminal charges for allegedly killing his mother who was found dead in her bed at the home they shared in Holly.

James Robert Hall is accused of strangling and suffocating Kristine Lynn Hall, 59, inside a residence on Ash Street late last month. A man who identified himself as Kristine Hall’s brother reportedly located her body when he went to the home to check on her on Nov. 25. According to Holly police, the brother said the victim allowed her son to move in with her several months ago, was afraid of him and slept with her bedroom door locked.

James Hall allegedly fled the home after stealing his mother’s car, jewelry and cash from the home, then reportedly called his father and admitted to the murder, police said. He was subsequently arrested in Kalamazoo and also allegedly admitted to police there that he had killed his mother.

James Hall was arraigned Dec. 10 in 52-2 District Court on charges of first-degree homicide, unlawfully driving away a motor vehicle and larceny in a building. He’s held in the Oakland County Jail, denied bond.

When he was still in custody in the Kalamazoo jail, Holly police investigators interviewed him and he reportedly again confessed to the murder. As stated in a news release from the Holly Police Department, James Hall told them that on Nov. 24 his mother called him into her bedroom and “began scolding him for his life choices and for not amounting to anything, which he said she was always telling him. Hall stated that he became tired of hearing it, climbed on top of her, and used a pillow to smother her to death.”

His arrest came after a party store clerk in Kalamazoo called police because he was overheard on a phone call stating he was thinking of killing himself, Holly police said. Kalamazoo officers located James Hall  in his mother’s stolen vehicle in the store’s parking lot.

As further reported by police, James Hall had rented a room in Kalamazoo and had been using the stolen money at a local casino prior to his arrest.

He was arraigned Nov. 26 in 52-2 District Court on an outstanding warrant for breaking and entering, and held in the Oakland County Jail with bond set at $100,000. Arraignment on the charges related to the slaying happened two weeks later.

“James Hall was angry his mother was parenting him…so he killed her,” Holly Police Chief Jerry Narsh stated in the news release.. He took the life that gave him life. Then he took her money, her jewelry and her vehicle because he was challenged on his life choices. Then he went to a casino.”

Hall’s next court appearance is scheduled for Dec. 23 for a probable cause conference before 52-2 District Judge Joseph Fabrizio. A preliminary exam is scheduled for a week later.

Multiple reports of larcenies from unlocked vehicles parked in Bloomfield Township were reported during the overnight hours from Dec. 4 to Dec. 5, officials said.

Purses, computers, shopping bags full of merchandise, and other personal property were reported stolen from eight vehicles, according to Bloomfield Township police. All the vehicles had been left unlocked in driveways, police said.

While an investigation continues, the Bloomfield Township Police Department said the community’s support is needed to thwart any more would-be thieves.

Residents are strongly urged to remove all valuables from inside their cars, keep them locked and don’t leave keys inside when they aren’t occupied.

Teen found stabbed at Royal Oak Township hotel

An investigation is underway into the stabbing of a 14-year-old boy Saturday night in Royal Oak Township.

As of Monday morning, officials hadn’t announced any arrest in the case.

According to Michigan State Police, troopers responded to the American Inn & Suites at 11000 W. Eight Mile Road just before 10:30 pm. Dec. 6 after the assault was reported. Troopers administered first-aid to the victim including applying a tourniquet to the victim’s leg, where he had been stabbed. The teen was then transported to an area hospital.

Troopers contacted his mother and brought her to the hospital, MSP stated.

MSP Lt. Mike Shaw requested further information from the public as investigators work to develop leads to the suspect.

“Anyone who has information on this incident is asked to call the Metro North Post at 248-584-5740 or Crime Stoppers at 800-SPEAKUP,” Shaw stated on X.

Detectives with the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office are seeking the public’s help in finding a Pontiac teen who didn’t return home from school on Nov. 21 and hasn’t been seen by his family since.then, officials said.

Jahlon Christopher Hamilton, 15, has had contact with his mother through text messages since he went missing, the sheriff’s office said, but she doesn’t know his whereabouts. He has reportedly stated that he’ll return home, but hasn’t, the sheriff’s office said. She believes he’s somewhere in Pontiac.

Jahlon is a student at  Arts and Tech Academy — his last known whereabouts. He’s 5 feet, 7 inches tall, weighs 140 pounds, and has brown eyes and black hair. Anyone who may have seen Jahlon Hamilton or knows his whereabouts is asked to call the sheriff’s office at 248-858-4950.

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The case against a Farmington Hills police officer accused of sexually assaulting a police cadet has advanced from district court to Oakland County Circuit Court for possible trial.

At the conclusion of a Nov. 20 preliminary exam, 52-1 District Judge Travis Reeds bound over the case against Michael Rybinski, ruling that the evidence presented established probable cause.

Rybinski, 31, of WIxom, is charged with one count of third-degree criminal sexual conduct and three counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct for an alleged assault that reportedly happened outside of work on June 16.

Rybinski is on administrative leave, according to the Farmington Hills Police Department.

As previously reported, the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office said the alleged victim stated that the incident happened in her car after she agreed to give Rybinski a ride home. He had reportedly called her for the ride, stating he was drunk. He’s accused of groping, forcibly fondling and trying to kiss her despite her repeatedly telling him to stop. The alleged victim reported the incident the next day, the prosecutor’s office said. The Farmington Hills Police Department subsequently referred to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Unit, the prosecutor’s office said.

Rybinski is out on bond after posting $2,000 — the required 10% of the $20,000 bond set at his district court arraignment. With the bindover, his arraignment in the higher court is scheduled for Dec. 4 before Judge Mary Ellen Brennan.

Third-degree criminal sexual conduct carries a penalty of up to 15 years in prison. Fourth-degree CSC is punishable by up to two years in prison.