Smash-and-Grab Suspect Surrenders, Then Tries to Flee: Reports

NOVI, MI — A man wanted in Saturday’s smash-and-grab robbery at a Novi jewelry store surrendered to Detroit police Monday night, but apparently had second thoughts: He allegedly bit and scratched a police officer and kicked out the backseat windows of a police cruiser, according to media reports.

Two other suspects in the robbery, which resulted in the lockdown and evacuation of Twelve Oaks Mall after an erroneous tweet warned of an active shooter, remain at large. Novi police released surveillance photos of the suspects inside Tapper’s jewelry store on Monday.

Detroit Police Sgt. Michael Woody told the Detroit Free Press the suspect, a 26-year-old Detroit man, arrived with a family member at the 6th Precinct about 10 p.m., but when Novi police arrived to pick him up, he tried to escape on foot.

Officers caught up with him, but in the process, one Novi officer was bitten, Novi police Sgt. Scott Baetens told the Free Press.

• Novi Police Release Photos of Mall Smash-and-Grab Suspects
• Twelve Oaks Mall at Novi Evacuated: Reports

After the suspect, whose name hasn’t been released, was placed in the squad car, he kicked out two windows in the back seat, WXYZ-TV reported.

The suspect is one of three men accused of using a small hammer to smash a jewelry display case at Tapper’s and stealing two luxury watches about 5:20 p.m. Saturday. The noise from the shattering glass sounded like a gunshot, resulting in mass panic at the mall.

This is the second smash-and-grab at Tapper’s this year, police told WJBK-TV. Police believe they’re part of a known crime-ring operating in southeast Michigan, according to WXYZ-TV.

Anyone who recognizes the suspects is encouraged to contact Det. Sgt. Scott Baetens at (248) 348-7100. Anonymous tips may be left with Crime Stoppers at (800) SPEAKUP.

Images courtesy of Novi Police Department