Man allegedly tried to break into a colleague’s apartment with weapons, ropes and handcuffs

A Michigan man who had a “romantic interest” in his former co-worker was arrested after allegedly attempting to break into her home with an “assortment of items of concern,” police said.

Attorney Levi Trahern Smith, 34, was allegedly seen “loitering” outside the woman’s home in the middle of the night Saturday and attempting to enter through a side door, the Oakland County District Attorney’s Office said.

According to Royal Oak police, Smith was found wearing latex gloves and carrying a backpack containing a loaded handgun, a large knife, handcuffs, rope, masks, a hammer, a crowbar, duct tape and latex gloves.

Smith had previously been a co-worker of the woman “and had shown romantic interest in her in the past,” police said.

He was caught after the woman was “woken from her sleep” and called police, who said she saw Smith attempt to walk away from the house before officers arrested him.

“The victim reacted quickly and contacted police when he realized a dangerous situation was developing. This prevented an even worse outcome,” said Royal Oak Police Chief Michael Moore. “Officers were then able to immediately locate and arrest the suspect.”

Smith was charged with attempted burglary of a dwelling and a firearms violation.

His bail was set at $25,000.

He could not immediately be reached for comment at the telephone number provided for his office.

“I am relieved that the victim was alert and contacted police immediately,” said Oakland County District Attorney Karen McDonald. “Without the victim’s 911 call and the work of the Royal Oak Police Department, the situation could have been much worse.”