Two Warren men charged with attacking police officers

WARREN — Two brothers were charged in the 37th District Court before Judge Michael Chupa on Oct. 31 for their alleged role in assaulting Warren police officers and disturbing the peace.

Daniel Javon Lenox, 23, of Warren, was arraigned on two counts of assaulting, resisting or obstructing officers causing injury, which is a four-year felony. In addition, he was charged with one count of assaulting, resisting or obstructing officers, a two-year felony; malicious destruction of fire department or police property, a four-year felony; reckless use of a firearm, a 90-day misdemeanor; and disturbing the peace, also a 90-day misdemeanor.

Lenox’s brother, Jaron James Smith, 22, of Warren, allegedly interfered with Lenox’s arrest and also allegedly assaulted officers, according to police. He was charged with one count of assaulting, resisting or obstructing officers, and disturbing the peace.

On Oct. 30, patrol officers were called to the 7500 block of Fisher Avenue in Warren around 3:40 a.m. for a report of shots fired. When officers arrived, police reportedly saw two suspects run into the residence. The suspects would not talk to the officers or exit the premises, as requested, according to police. It appeared the suspects fired shots in the air, but no one was injured, police said.  Officers located several spent shell casings in the vicinity of the shooting scene, according to police in a written release.

After interviewing witnesses and a nearly three-hour surveillance of the residence, police identified the possible suspect and alleged shooter as a 23-year-old male who was seen exiting the residence, according to police. When officers approached the suspect, the suspect punched one officer in the head, threw a wooden table at officers and threw another officer off the front porch, police said.

“Officers went to place both suspects under arrest and were then immediately assaulted,” said Warren Police Commissioner William Dwyer in a press release. “Thankfully, none of the officers were more seriously injured by these suspects.”

Lenox and Smith were arrested. Lenox allegedly damaged a patrol car while being transported to jail, said police.

Both men entered not guilty pleas before the judge, who set bond for each of them at $300,000 cash or surety.

Lenox has no prior felony convictions. However, Smith was charged as a fourth time habitual offender due to his previous felony convictions for possession of weapons and stolen property, police said in a statement.

According to court records, neither Lenox nor Smith had been assigned a court-appointed attorney at press time.

Both suspects are currently in the Macomb County Jail where they await their probable cause conference on Nov. 14 at 8:45 a.m.