Gunfire leads to arrest of 3

Jason Marqavis Smith

Gunfire erupted during an attempted escape from the scene of an assault and robbery in Canton Township last week. Three suspects were arrested when the car in which they were fleeing crashed into a ditch adjacent to Michigan Avenue. 

According to police reports, the victim met with the assailants at a Michigan Avenue credit union to complete a sale at about 1 p.m. Dec. 1. According to a press release, the victim was assaulted and robbed at gun point and the three suspects then fled the scene with the victim in pursuit. During the vehicle chase, “shots were fired by the suspects as both vehicles were traveling along Michigan Avenue.”

Following the gunfire, the vehicle in which the suspects were fleeing crashed into a ditch and the suspects attempted to leave the scene.  Canton Township police officers were nearby and three suspects were immediately arrested.

Two of the suspects arrested were juveniles and one, 18-year-old Jason Marqavis Smith, was arraigned in 35th District Court on eight criminal counts, including one charge of assault with intent to murder; armed robbery; discharging a firearm from a vehicle; assault with a dangerous weapon and four counts of using a firearm during a felony. His bond was set at $500,000 by the court. His next court appearance is scheduled for tomorrow, Dec. 15.  Police said the two minors involved in the incident have been charged in Wayne County Juvenile Court with armed robbery and felonious assault. Their names were not released as they are minors.

If convicted, Smith faces up to life in prison for the assault with intent to murder charge; a maximum of two years for armed robbery; a maximum of 10 years for discharging a firearm from a vehicle; as long as four years for assault with a dangerous weapon and a possible two years for each count of using a firearm during a felony.