Three charged in Memorial Day robbery of sailors in Detroit

The Wayne County Prosecutor announced Wednesday that charges have been filed against three Detroit men for the armed robbery of four U.S. Service Members.

The sailors, ranging in age from 19 to 28, were in the area of Santa Maria and Meyers in Detroit on Memorial Day just after noon working on a car. That's when a group of men pulled up and robbed them at gunpoint.

"They pulled up in front of us and pointed a gun at us said and said ... put your hands up, give us everything, pop the trunk up, give us phones, empty your pockets out," Deonte Shade said.

The four sailors were heading back to Virginia when the suspects held them up. The Third Class Petty Officer said they got his shoes, clothes, jewelry, phone, and even his Navy ID.

Prosecutor Kym Worthy announced charges against three defendants, identified as Anthony Smith, 19, Jawan Spears, 19, and Mark Hansford, 21. All three are Detroit residents and are charged with four counts of armed robbery, one count of conspiracy to commit armed robbery and felony firearm. Smith is also charged with felon in possession while Hansford is also charged with carrying a concealed weapon.

The trio were arraigned Tuesday and will be in court on June 8.

Deontae said it was the violence in the Motor City that drove him to leave home and join the Navy.