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Detroit Man Charged in Carjacking of 95-Year-Old Woman
On September 19, 2022, at approximately 1:55 p.m., in the area of Woodward Avenue and Merton Street in Detroit, the 95-year-old victim was sitting in the passenger seat of her vehicle when it is alleged that Defendant Smith opened the driver's side door, entered the vehicle, and drove off with the victim still in the car. It is further alleged that the defendant began to physically assault the victim. Defendant Smith pulled to the side of the road in the area of State Fair and Bauman Street and began to exit the driver's side of the vehicle. As the victim exited the passenger side of the vehicle, it is alleged that Defendant Smith quickly reentered the car and drove off.
Investigation by the Detroit Police Department led to the arrest of the defendant on September 26, 2022.
James Douglas Smith has been charged with one count of Carjacking, one count of Unarmed Robbery, one count of Assault with Intent to do Great Bodily Harm, one count of Receiving and Concealing a Motor Vehicle, and one count of Unlawfully Driving Away of an Automobile. *
"This defendant committed these alleged crimes on the victim who is five years from her 100th birthday. All I can do is shake my head....and make sure that justice is served," said Prosecutor Kym Worthy.
He was arraigned on September 29, 2022, in 36th District Court and given a $100,000 personal bond. If released, the defendant will have a GPS tether with home confinement.
Today, after an emergency motion by WCPO Judge Kenneth King raised Defendant Smith's bond to $500,000 cash. He will have a GPS tether if released.
The Probable Cause Conference is scheduled for October 6, 2022, at 8:30 a.m., and the Preliminary Examination is scheduled for October 13, 2022, at 8:45 a.m., before Judge Kenneth King. Please request a photograph of the defendant from the Detroit Police Department.
*The charges are allegations and defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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