8/28/14 - A judge is deciding the nature of the charges against two suspects in a smash and grab theft at a Brighton jewelry store, while a third defendant is heading for trial. 19-year-old Darvon Smith of Kalamazoo waived his preliminary exam on Tuesday, sending his case to trial in Livingston County Circuit Court. Smith, along with 18-year-old Elijah Henderson of Belleville and 19-year-old Devon McCloud of Warren were charged with armed robbery after the July 14th incident at Rottermond Jewelers. Surveillance video shows two men breaking the glass of a jewelry display case after several blows from a mini sledge hammer and then grabbing several high end watches. But the attorneys for McCloud and Henderson argue their clients shouldnât face armed robbery charges, but instead counts of larceny. Judge Carol Sue Reader is taking that argument under advisement. McCloud, the alleged getaway driver, is also charged with fleeing and eluding. After fleeing the scene, police say the suspectâs vehicle turned the wrong way onto the northbound US-23 ramp to I-96. When a police officer blocked their path, Smith and Henderson fled and were later located hiding in a dumpster. All of the stolen watches were recovered. (JK)
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