Smash and grab suspect turns self in, smashes police windows

DETROIT (WJBK) - A man who turned himself in for a smash and grab at Twelve Oaks Mall in Novi didn't go quietly - he assaulted a police officer and damaged a patrol car.

More charges are expected against the 26-year-old Detroit man who smashed the windows of the Novi Police car as he was being transported from Detroit to Novi. The robbery suspect assaulted the officer and then kicked out the backseat windows of the cruiser just moments after surrendering.

"We responded to that location, our officers, to transport him back to Novi, upon our arrival, handcuffs or take it off of him, to do the prisoner exchange, and he proceeded to flee officers," Novi Police Detective/Sgt. Scott Baetens said.

The exchange happened in front of the suspects family members outside of the 6th precinct, when he apparently had second thoughts.

"Officers gave chase, apprehended the suspect and detained him in the back of a police car where he subsequently kicked out both patrol car rear windows," Baetens said.

He'll likely face more charges than just the charge of Robbery from Tappers Fine Jewelry.

Novi police believe the other two suspects are from Detroit. They say they have some leads that suggest the three could be part of a larger theft ring.

"We are actively looking for you and working with Detroit police department, Wayne county and Oakland county and we're coming for you.

The suspect in custody is expected to be arraigned Wednesday. At that time we will learn know who he is and what charges he's facing.