Detroit Man Charged in Auto Theft and Chop Shop Ring

Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy has charged Darnell Eddie Smith, 31, (DOB: 07/29/1989), of Detroit, in connection with the theft of a vehicle that belonged to former Detroit Lions Wide Receiver Calvin Johnson.

On September 22, 2020, while at a country club located in the 40000 block of Eight Mile Road in Northville Township, the victim reported his vehicle stolen to the Northville Township Police Department. Investigation by the Detroit Police Commercial Auto Section led to a chop shop in the 13900 block of Penrod Street in Detroit. On October 6, 2020, Detroit police officers observed the defendant working on the stolen vehicle. He was arrested at the scene.

Smith has been charged with Operating a Chop Shop and Receiving and Concealing Stolen Property over $20,000.* He was arraigned this afternoon before 36^th District Court Magistrate Joseph Boyer. The Probable Cause Conference is scheduled for October 29, 2020 at 8:30 a.m. before Judge Kenyetta Stanford Jones in 36^th District Court. No Preliminary Examination has been scheduled at this time. The defendant received a $10,000 personal bond. Please contact the Detroit Police Department for a photograph of the defendant.

*The charges are allegations and defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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