An 81 year old resident on South Washington Street in Lake Orion was allegedly assaulted by her son in a incident that took place on June 17 at 10:15 p.m.
Her son, James Smith, 47, is currently in Oakland County Jail, held on a $75,000 cash bond.
Village police were sent to the residence after a 911 call indicated an elderly woman was being violently assaulted by her son.
When they arrived, officers found Smith in a vehicle attempting to leave the area.
According to LO Police Chief Jerry Narsh, the officers surrounded the vehicle to prevent Smith’s escape.
‘He was holding a knife to his throat. Officers on the scene kept him distracted to allow employment of a tazer which successfully subdued him,? Narsh said. ‘He was captured without injury to himself and officers.?
An investigation showed Smith violently and physically assaulted his mother and also threatened her with a knife, according to Narsh.
Smith was arraigned on June 21 at 52nd/4 District Court in Troy. He was charged with one count of assault with a dangerous weapon; one count of assault and resisting police, and one count of assault and battery on the victim.
Narsh said the victim refused medical treatment, but she withstood substantial physical assault.
According to Narsh, the Michigan legislature is considering new laws that will protect senior citizens from violent crime.
‘What a shame this victim was attacked by her own son. We’ll be working with her and her friends to be sure she is safe and gets the assistance she requires,? he added.
‘This was a violent crime, domestic in nature, with a weapon involved. Someone could very easily have lost their life. The officers acted professionally and resolved this incident safely and quickly.?