Serial Novi home invasion suspects nabbed on a tip

7/30/07

Two suspects were arrested in Novi in a series of area residential break-ins, thanks to the persistent work of Novi Police Department detectives, aided by an alert Citizens Police Academy graduate.

Over the past five months, the Novi Police Department and area law enforcement agencies have investigated a series of home invasions. In Novi, the focus has been an apartment complex, located near Pontiac Trail and Beck Road. In February 2007, eight apartments were broken into under similar circumstances, and officers immediately linked the crimes to one another. The break-ins continued sporadically over the next several months, with nine additional crimes committed.

Novi officers worked with several other area law enforcement agencies, identifying several similar break-ins in Wixom and Westland. Investigators also worked closely with apartment complex management, residents, and other individuals who frequent the area. During the past several weeks, officers and detectives have been conducting surveillance throughout the area.

On July 26, 2007, a United States Postal carrier, and recent Lakes Area Citizens Police Academy graduate, notified detectives of two suspicious persons driving around the apartment complex in a maroon sedan. The gentleman remembered seeing the vehicle in the area previously, and was aware of the home invasions.

A detective located the vehicle, and one of the suspects was observed exiting a building where two apartments were found broken into and ransacked. The suspects were arrested after they attempted to flee the area in the maroon Chevrolet Lumina. Property from both apartments was recovered from the suspects.

“This case is a prime example of superior teamwork by investigative personnel and a partnership with our community members,” notes David Molloy, Novi’s Chief of Police. “The relentless efforts of staff, unyielding communication with community members in the affected area, and keen awareness of a recent Citizens Police Academy graduate all proved beneficial in the arrest of these individuals.”

Chief Molloy further states, “The Citizens Police Academy is a free program for our community that increases the understanding and cooperation between the police and citizens through education. This education, along with the relationship established with members of the Police Department, assists in achieving the ultimate goal of community oriented policing, the reduction of crime through a stronger citizen commitment to the Police Department and the community.”

On Friday, July 27, 2007, the Novi Police Department arraigned two suspects at the 52nd District Court in front of the Honorable Dennis Powers. The suspects have been identified as Detroit residents Carlos Edward Matthews and Reginald Lydell King, both 26 years of age. Both suspects have been previously arrested for Home Invasion in Southfield in 2000. Matthews and King were arraigned on two counts of Home Invasion Second Degree, a 15-year felony and/or $3,000 fine. Bond was set at $300,000 cash for each defendant.

The creation of the Lakes Area Citizens Police Academy 13 years ago has afforded citizens the opportunity to learn about their local police department and take a behind the scenes look at what law enforcement work is all about. Participants also gain an insider’s knowledge of the police agency, enabling them to make informed decisions on issues affecting the police and the community. The Lakes Area Citizens Police Academy is a joint venture between the Novi, Wixom, Walled Lake, South Lyon, and Wolverine Lake Police Departments.

Applications are currently being accepted for the free, 26th session of the Lakes Area Citizens Police Academy, scheduled to begin on September 6, 2007. Participants must be 21 years of age or older.